33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Jesus, Son of David, . . . please let me see.

Though disadvantaged in life by blindness and poverty, this poor man had some advantages that many in the crowd did not. Like the people who were waiting to see Jesus that day, he had heard the many stories about the miracles and healings that Jesus performed as well as the message of mercy that he preached. And like everyone else, his hope had been stirred.

But when he heard that Jesus was approaching, he was the only one to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” (Luke 18:38, 39). This man, who was blind, “saw” who Jesus was. He also “saw” his own need for Jesus’ mercy. And this is what caught the Lord’s attention.

We too have hope in Jesus. We believe in his power and mercy. But do we know our need like this man did? Sometimes our need is not immediately clear because we have learned to live with our spiritual blindness. Or we might ask for something in a vague, general way. Or maybe we are too busy looking to the needs of others. We can even begin to think that we are doing fine, and Jesus has more important things to do than bother with us. But we would be wrong.

Jesus has one question for you today: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41). What would you shout out to Jesus? “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me . . . and cure me of cancer!” “Jesus, heal my relationship with my son!” “Jesus, have mercy on me and free me of my addiction.” Or even “Jesus, Son of David, cut through the indifference that keeps me from seeing how much I need you.”

Don’t wait on the sidelines wondering if Jesus will ever heal you. Be like this man in today’s Gospel who, against the opposition of the crowd, called out to Jesus and appealed to his power and mercy. And like this man, be clear on how deeply you need Jesus and what you want him to do for you. Let him say to you, as he did to this poor man, “Your faith has saved you” (Luke 18:42).

“Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all God’s promises. Have mercy on me and heal me of _________. Lord, I want to see!”

Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Luke 18:35-43