A reading from the gospel according to Matthew 9:27-31
27 As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!”
28 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.
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.”
30 And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.”
31 But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
Reflection: Spreading the Good News
The gospel reading above shows the authority of Jesus to give sight to the blind. It is similar to the story of Bartimaeus but in this episode, there are two blind people and after they were healed, Jesus warned them not to spread the word.
Jesus did not heal the blind men on the road. He waited until they entered the house. It means He healed them in private and He wanted it that way for He ordered them not to tell anyone. The reading says that Jesus touched their eyes. Sometimes an act of compassion needs to be done in private.
The healing of the blind men took place early in the public ministry of Jesus. Like what He told Peter not to tell anyone that He was the messiah, Jesus did not want many people to know about it because His hour has not yet come. When the blind men called Him the son of David, it means they believed that Jesus is the heir to the throne of King David. That is to say, they believed that Jesus is the Messiah.
The two men were blind so they have not seen Jesus before but either somebody told them about Him and His miraculous powers or they must have unintentionally heard from people talking about Him. Nevertheless, they sought out Jesus and cried out to Him publicly. They believed that He is the Son of David who has the power to grant them sight and they got their wish according to their faith.
Blindness is not just physical. It is more of a spiritual condition. It means that though we may see physically, we don’t actually see the real thing, the truth about God for example. It means therefore that in many ways we too are blind. Let us cry out to Jesus to have pity on us and to give us sight.
Jesus had already suffered, died and rose again. That is no longer a secret and therefore there is absolutely no need for us to keep secret the marvelous things that He has done in our life. Let us freely spread the word. Let us tell everybody the Good News of our salvation.
*****
Two blind men follow Jesus, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” Despite their physical blindness, they see something many others miss—they recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Their cry is not one of doubt but of deep faith, trusting that He has the power to change their lives.
When Jesus enters a house, the blind men persist in seeking Him. Jesus tests their faith, asking, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Without hesitation, they reply, “Yes, Lord.” Jesus touches their eyes and says, “According to your faith let it be done to you,” and their sight is restored.
This story reveals a profound truth: faith is not merely about believing in God’s existence; it is about trusting His ability to act in our lives. The blind men’s unwavering belief became the channel through which God’s power flowed. Their physical healing mirrored the spiritual truth that faith opens our eyes to God’s work around us.
Notice the blind men’s persistence. Despite their physical limitations and potential discouragement, they follow Jesus and refuse to give up. How often do we lose heart when faced with obstacles? Their example reminds us that faith requires perseverance. Sometimes, God allows us to wait, not to deny our requests but to deepen our trust in Him.
When life’s challenges seem overwhelming, do we persist in prayer? Do we cling to the promises of God, even when answers seem delayed? The blind men’s faith teaches us to keep knocking, keep seeking, and keep believing.
The blind men were not ashamed to cry out for mercy. Their faith was vocal and bold. As believers, we, too, must have a faith that speaks—not only in prayer but also in sharing God’s goodness with others. After their healing, Jesus instructs them not to tell anyone, but their excitement cannot be contained. They spread the news of what Jesus has done.
While Jesus’ instruction might seem puzzling, it underscores the importance of timing in God’s plans. Yet, the men’s testimony shows the natural response to encountering God’s power: a desire to share it. How often do we remain silent about the ways God has worked in our lives?
The blind men’s physical sight was restored, but their spiritual insight was even more significant. They saw Jesus as the Messiah, the one who fulfills God’s promises. This challenges us to examine our own spiritual vision. Are we seeing Jesus clearly, trusting Him fully, and walking by faith, not by sight?
As we reflect on this passage, let us strive for a faith like that of the blind men — a faith that persists, speaks, and sees beyond. When we trust in Jesus, even in the face of challenges, He can open our eyes to His love, power, and purpose. Whatever your need today, bring it boldly to Jesus, trusting that He is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine.
Let your faith be the lens through which you see life, and let it guide you to the One who has the power to transform it.
See also: Gospel Reading and Reflection: Mark 10:46-52
