REFLECTIONS TODAY
The blind beggar hears that Jesus is passing by. The crowd recognizes only the historical Jesus, a popular rabbi from Nazareth.
The blind man’s exclamation, “Jesus, Son of David” (v 38), alludes to his and Israel’s expectation of the Messiah who has been sent by God to redeem Israel (Lk 24:21). The people in front of the man order him to be silent, just as some disciples earlier prevented the children to come close to Jesus (Lk 18:15-16). But the persistent faith of the blind beggar pushes him to plead louder, “Son of David, have pity on me!” (v 39). Jesus then orders his disciples to bring the beggar to him to give him sight.
Do we see the beggars and the sick as nuisance, or do we attend to them and lead them to the Lord who hears the cry of the poor?
Gospel • Luke 18:35-43
As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!”
Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.”
Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”
He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.