DAILY GOSPEL REFLECTION. THE BLIND MAN OF JERICHO (Lk 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.
Gospel Commentary from the Navarre Bible, Commentary to the Gospel of St. Luke (with permission)
- The blind man of Jericho is quick to use the opportunity presented by Christ’s presence.
- We should not neglect the Lord’s graces, for we do not know whether he will offer us them again.
- St Augustine described very succinctly the urgency with which we should respond to God’s gift, to his passing us on the road: “Timeo Jesum praetereuntem et non redeuntem: I fear Jesus may pass by and not come back.” For, at least on some occasion, in some way, Jesus passes close to everyone.
- The blind man of Jericho acclaims Jesus as the Messiah — he gives him the messianic title of Son of David — and asks him to meet his need, to make him see.
- His is an active faith; he shouts out, he persists, despite the people getting in his way. And he manages to get Jesus to hear him and call him.
- God wanted this episode to be recorded in the Gospel, to teach us how we should believe and how we should pray — with conviction, with urgency, with constancy, in spite of the obstacles, with simplicity, until we manage to get Jesus Christ to listen to us.
- “Lord, let me receive my sight”: this simple ejaculatory prayer should be often on our lips, flowing from the depths of our heart.
- It is a very good prayer to use in moments of doubt and vacillation, when we cannot understand the reason behind God’s plans, when the horizon of our commitment becomes clouded. It is even a good prayer for people who are sincerely trying to find God but who do not yet have the great gift of faith. See also note on Mt 10:46-62.
Dear brethren in Christ, Jesus is also passing by our midst throughout the day. May we, like the blind man of Jericho, shamelessly and insistently cry to Him asking his help: “Lord, have pity on me. Cure my spiritual blindness so that I may see you in all the events and circumstances of my daily life, so as to lovingly carry out your Most Holy Will.”
A great day ahead. Stay safe and God bless. Fr. Rolly Arjonillo
VIDEO COMMENTARY
Topic: WHAT DO YOU WANT JESUS TO DO FOR YOU?
In today’s gospel (Luke 18:35-43), Jesus is walking towards Jericho on His way to Jerusalem where He will be persecuted. There was this blind man He passes by and whose cries were so persistent for Jesus to heal Him that it annoyed the people following Jesus. Jesus asks some people to bring Him this blind man. And Jesus asks a very poignant question: “What do you want me to do for you?”
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