11/20/2023 (Monday) Today’s gospel reading: Luke 18:35-43

35 As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging,
36 and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening.
37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
38 He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”
39 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!”
40 Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him,
41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.”
42 Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”
43 He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

11/20/2023 (Monday) Today’s gospel reflection: Luke 18:35-43

The gospel passage above shows us a blind man who was healed due to his desire and faith coupled with the compassion and power of Jesus. The blind man did not mind the apathy and opposition of the people around him. He demonstrated his strong desire to be healed by persistently calling on Jesus and confidently expressing to Him what he wanted. He believed that Jesus has the power and compassion to give him his sight. On the other hand, Jesus performed the miracle of healing with the statement that the blind man was healed in accordance with his faith. After the healing, the man followed Jesus and glorified God. In short, the blind man’s desire and faith led to his healing and transformation.

The blind man healed by Jesus can strongly inspire us all. We don’t know how many years he had been blind and on the road begging. Yet when he encountered Jesus, his life was never the same again. After he was healed, he didn’t go back to his old life. He became a follower and glorified God. Like him, we may be in a dire situation for many years. Yet in Jesus, there is healing. In Him, there is hope for a better life, in fact a life to the full (John 10:10). Let us call upon Him with persistence. Today, He is asking us what we want from Him. Let us express our desire to Him with faith and humility and let us allow His power to heal and transform us.

Jesus is compassionate and when He sees our persistent faith, He will answer us. Amen.

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