Jesus heals a blind beggar Luke 18:35-43
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
After the accident that took away my sight, I used to come to the gate of Jericho, and there I sat all day, begging for my daily food. In the early days, I needed someone to guide me, but as time passed, I learnt to get there myself. I could tell where I was on the road; the path sloped to the right just before I reached the gate, and there was a hedge that I could feel as I turned a corner. Some people were very good to me, giving me fresh bread rolls and fresh cool water. They would stop and talk for a while, which made me feel so good. I could hear other people passing me by. And then there were the troublesome ones, telling me that I was accursed by God because I must have done something very wrong to cause my blindness. Some were downright cruel, giving me mouldy bread or throwing pebbles at me.
But everything changed for me the day that Jesus came by. Some of my friends had told me about this man. They said that he was from God, that he worked miracles and cured many people, and his message was one of love. How I wished I could meet him! Perhaps he would be able to cure my blindness?
I heard a crowd of people approaching, and my heart jumped. ‘Jesus, son of David! Have pity on me!’ Of course, some people told me to shut up, but I only shouted more loudly, ‘Son of David, have pity on me!’ The crowd stopped, and I heard Jesus telling some of his companions to go and bring me to him. I got up, so excited. Two men helped me to my feet and guided me to Jesus. Jesus placed his hand on my shoulder, and asked, ever so kindly, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’
‘Oh, I want to be able to see again!’ I stammered. Jesus said, ‘See! Your faith has made you well.’ At once I could see clearly again, and I have been following Jesus ever since, praising God for his goodness to me.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· How do I treat people who are different from me?
· When I see someone in need, how do I react?
· Do I blame people for their condition? (For example, this person is homeless because he is too lazy to find a job)
· Do I speak to a needy person about their needs, or do I presume that I know better than they do?
· St. Mary McKillop said, ‘Never see a need without doing something about it.’ How can I live this statement today?
Prayer
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on our world today. Shine a light on those in our lives who are in need of companionship or food or shelter through our actions of loving service to our brothers and sisters. Amen.