REFLECTIONS TODAY

David’s reign around 1000 BC was considered the greatest period in Israel’s history. It was not only a time of power and glory, but also of justice and righteousness in the land. David was associated with goodness, power, protection, and righteousness. This ideal time would be remembered so that the expected deliverer at the time of Israel’s humiliation would be a “son of David.” 

Eventually, the title “Son of David” would be attached to the long-awaited Messiah. In the Gospel, two blind men call out to Jesus, “Son of David, have pity on us!” (v 27). At the time of the Roman direct rule over Judea and the reign of their vassal king Herod Antipas in Galilee, this cry would be fraught with danger. The authorities were always on the lookout for someone who would claim the title, who might lead an uprising. The evangelists would take pains in showing that Jesus had no pretentions for political power. Indeed, he is the Messiah, but he would take the role of the mysterious Ebed or Servant of God as prophesied by Isaiah: 

“A light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness” (42:6-7). 

Advent is the time to open our eyes to Jesus who comes to take us out of darkness of unbelief and sin, to lead us to God’s marvelous light. It is the time of metanoia, a change of heart that makes us turn to the Lord in faith, hope, and love.

First Reading • Is 29:17-24 

Thus says the Lord God: But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; and out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.

The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant will be no more and the arrogant will have gone; all who are alert to do evil will be cut off, those whose mere word condemns a man, Who ensnare his defender at the gate, and leave the just man with an empty claim.

Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of the house of Jacob, who redeemed Abraham: Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of, nor shall his face grow pale. 

When his children see the work of my hands in his midst, they shall keep my name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob, and be in awe of the God of Israel. Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction.

Gospel • Matthew 9:27-31 
 

As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” 

And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.