Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 18:35-43.
Now as he 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.
Commentary of the day : Saint José Maria Escriva de Balaguer
"The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more"
When he heard the noise being made by the crowd, the blind man asked what was happening. Someone replied: 'It's Jesus of Nazareth!' His soul was immediately fired with such intense faith in Christ that he started to shout: «Jesus, son of David, have pity on me!» And you who have come to a standstill by the roadside of life, short as it is, wouldn't you, too, like to shout aloud? You who are lacking in lights, who stand in need of new graces if you are to commit yourself to seeking holiness. Don't you feel a pressing need to shout: «Jesus, son of David, have pity on me»? It's a wonderful prayer, brief and full of fervor, to be repeated frequently!
I advise you to take time to meditate slowly over the moments preceding this miracle so as to engrave deeply on your mind this clear thought: what a difference there is between the merciful Heart of Jesus and our own, poor hearts! This is a thought that will always assist you, especially in times of trial or temptation, at times, too, when you must respond generously to the humble demands of daily life, at times of heroism. For «many rebuked that blind man to make him be quiet.» And you, too, when you became aware that Jesus was passing close by you, your heart beat fast and you began to shout out in the grip of a profound agitation. But then your friends, your habits, your comforts, your environment advised you to be silent, not to shout: «Why call Jesus? Don't disturb him!»
As for that unfortunate blind man, he paid no attention. To the contrary, he cried out all the more: «Son of David, have pity on me!» And the Lord, who had heard him to begin with, left him to persevere in his prayer. So it is with you. Jesus is instantly aware of our soul's cry, but he waits. He wants us to be completely convinced of our need of him. He wants us to beseech him persistently like that blind man by the roadside. As Saint John Chrysostom says: «Imitate him. Even if God doesn't grant what we ask of him for the moment, even if the crowd tries to turn us away from our prayer, don't stop begging.»
I advise you to take time to meditate slowly over the moments preceding this miracle so as to engrave deeply on your mind this clear thought: what a difference there is between the merciful Heart of Jesus and our own, poor hearts! This is a thought that will always assist you, especially in times of trial or temptation, at times, too, when you must respond generously to the humble demands of daily life, at times of heroism. For «many rebuked that blind man to make him be quiet.» And you, too, when you became aware that Jesus was passing close by you, your heart beat fast and you began to shout out in the grip of a profound agitation. But then your friends, your habits, your comforts, your environment advised you to be silent, not to shout: «Why call Jesus? Don't disturb him!»
As for that unfortunate blind man, he paid no attention. To the contrary, he cried out all the more: «Son of David, have pity on me!» And the Lord, who had heard him to begin with, left him to persevere in his prayer. So it is with you. Jesus is instantly aware of our soul's cry, but he waits. He wants us to be completely convinced of our need of him. He wants us to beseech him persistently like that blind man by the roadside. As Saint John Chrysostom says: «Imitate him. Even if God doesn't grant what we ask of him for the moment, even if the crowd tries to turn us away from our prayer, don't stop begging.»
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