THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Monday of 33^rd week in Ordinary time, 2021

1Macc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-62
Ps 119

Luke 18:35-43

Lord, please let me see

Several times in the gospels we find people of persistent and persevering faith. We have one such example in today’s gospel reading, the blind man of Jericho.

 Once he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing through Jericho, he had a strong desire to get Jesus’ attention, crying out in his need, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me’. His prayer for help immediately met with resistance. The people who walked in front of Jesus gave out to him and told him to be quiet. Yet, this man had the kind of faith that was prepared to break through barriers that others put in his way. 

He may have been physically blind but he could see Jesus with the eyes of his heart, and he recognized him as God’s messenger. The people’s hostile response to the man’s first prayer only made him pray all the louder. It was then he discovered that Jesus was not like the people who were rebuking him. Jesus stopped his walk when he heard the blind beggar and addressed him in a very personal and respectful way, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus must have known what the man wanted but he gave him the opportunity to express what he wanted for himself, ‘let me see again’. 

The man’s persistent faith created an opening for Jesus to heal him. Having been healed, he gave further expression to his faith by following after Jesus while praising God. Here is one of the minor gospel characters who can be a real inspiration to us. He displays for us the kind of faith we all need today, a faith that is ready to break through barriers that others place in our way. His story also shows us that such persevering faith will be recognized and generously responded to by the Lord.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart and mind that I may see and understand the truth and goodness of your word. Amen.

+Remain blessed