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.

Opening Prayer: Lord, I imagine myself reaching out to you as you’re walking by in a large crowd. Please, Lord, sit with me while I reflect on your words today. I want to draw peace and strength from the message you have for me during this time. I love you and I believe that you love me.

Encountering Christ:

1.  Don’t Miss Your Chance: The Gospel tells us next to nothing about the blind man. We do not know his name, his age, or his religion; in fact, the only things we really know about him are that he wanted to be cured, and he believed that Jesus could do it. And when he heard that Jesus was passing by, he did everything he could to get his attention, disregarding what people thought about him. Are there unnoticed people in your life—individuals who have been spiritually or physically handicaped by life’s difficulties? Perhaps Jesus is calling you to notice them (despite what people might think), and to reach out on his behalf to offer a healing touch. 

2.  What Do You Want: Jesus asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” Every morning when we come to prayer, Jesus asks us the same question. How do we answer? Because of our sin, we can be as blind as the man in today’s Gospel. Therefore, with all humility, we ask Jesus, “Let me see,” until we begin to see the world from an eternal perspective. 

3.  Glory to God: One of the byproducts of an eternal perspective is the desire to give glory to God for everything. The blind man, once healed, and all of the bystanders gave glory to God for the miracle they just witnessed. As we grow in grace and our faith is strengthened, we see countless miracles every day that inspire us to give glory to God. We praise God not only for the beautiful sunset or the smiling infant, but for the sorrows or sufferings that come our way, because we know that God is always working for our good (Romans 8:28). As we say in the Act of Contrition, “You are all good and deserving of all of my love.”

Conversing with Christ: Lord, it’s hard for me to believe that you make yourself available to me in prayer, and that you offer me your power, your grace, and your forgiveness whenever I ask. Please deepen my understanding so that I may love you more and more each day.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will take some time to reflect on my answer to the question you ask me: “What do you want me to do for you?”

For Further Reflection: This homily from Pope Francis sheds more light on this Gospel.