Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious
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 Jesus, increase my faith, and may your Kingdom come in my heart and in the world.
Encountering Christ:
- Son of David: The blind man cried out, “Son of David.” This title is full of literal and theological significance and reveals faith in Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. Ironically, the blind man who cried out had better vision than those around him. His use of the “Son of David” had a prophetic significance. It alluded to the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would descend from the line of David. From a theological perspective, God promised David that his throne would be established forever (cf. 2 Sam 7:15-16), which came to fulfillment in God’s son, Jesus. Whereas David served as a great temporal king, his “Son,” the Messiah, would be established as the definitive eternal King of God’s Kingdom. He would reign forever. Never underestimate the vision of the apparently blind!
- Advocate: The blind man also perceived that Jesus was able to cure his ailment. As the son of David, Jesus is also King. In Jesus’ time, if men were good kings, their reign was one of service, advocating for the helpless. The blind man appeared to have blind faith in the good heart of Jesus. He was so convinced he would be heard that he shouted all the louder, “Son of David, have pity on me.” When we pray to God, from what conviction does that cry come? Are we convinced that we are in need of healing? Are we convinced that he truly reigns, with the power of an advocate?
- The Proper Response: Jesus responded to the convicted faith of the blind man. He already knew the heart of this man, yet he asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus desires us to ask as well. He wants to respect our freedom, but he wants to enter into the depth of our reality—sinful, needy, hungry, thirsty, ill, blind. The blind man stated what he wanted, and Jesus’ words were fulfilled: “Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.” The Greek word used for “saved” is sosoken. It can signify to save, heal, preserve, rescue, deliver, or protect. Faith won this man a more profound grace than physical sight. His response to the gift was to praise God. Let that be our response as well.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I praise you for the wonders you work in my life and the lives of so many. Just one act of faith wins for us a multitude of grace. The greatest grace is salvation, to be delivered from the deepest ailment, which is sin. Help me to recognize my need for you and to rejoice in your goodness in my life and the lives of others who come to know and follow you.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will reflect on the areas in my life that truly make me blind, blind to how you would like to heal me more fully. I will praise you for the gifts you shower on me and others as a response to faith.
For Further Reflection: Jesus, Healing of the Blind Beggar, Bartimaeus, and Nine Days to Christ the King Novena, Day 4.
Jennifer Ristine is a consecrated woman of Regnum Christi dedicated to spiritual and faith formation through teaching, conferences, writing, and spiritual direction. While serving in Ancient Magdala she wrote Mary Magdalene: Insights from Ancient Magdala and “Nine Days with Mary Magdalene.”
