November 20, 2017

Gospel: Lk 18:35-43
When Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road, begging. As he heard the crowd passing by, he inquired what was happening, and they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was going by. Then he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!“ The people in front of him scolded him. “Be quiet!“ they said, but he cried out all the more, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!“
Jesus stopped, and ordered the blind man to be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?“ And the man said, “Lord, that I may see!“ Jesus said, “Receive your sight, your faith has saved you.“ At once the blind man was able to see, and he followed Jesus, giving praise to God. And all the people who were there also praised God.

REFLECTION:
Admirable is the faith of the people in the first reading, “They remained firm and determined not to eat unclean food. They preferred to die rather than make themselves unclean“ (Mac. 1:62-63). The martyrs of the Church died rather than deny their Christian faith and Jesus. The Church today needs people who have the same conviction, joyfully proclaiming the gospel and joyfully dying for it. Did we ever deny our faith, or preferred to sin because it is the much easier way to pursue our personal desire? How strong is our faith?
Admirable too is the blind man in the gospel reading today. He was scolded by the people. Everyone tried to silence him. But, no one was able to stop him. The more he screamed. He got what he wanted from Jesus. Firm Faith, determination and resolve can conquer great and big challenges.
Most Admirable is Jesus‘ action. He stopped, talked to the blind, and acted on his needs. He restored his sight instantly. Jesus gave so much importance to the blind man, considered by the crowd as nobody. Jesus raised him to be somebody. Truly, God hears the cry of the poor.