Word to the Wise
Monday, November 15, 2021 - Monday in the 33th Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Macc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 and 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!" [Luke]
NOVEMBER 15 ST. ALBERT THE GREAT, o.p.
The encounter between Jesus and the blind beggar(s) is told, with variations, in all three synoptic gospels. The obvious element, the restoration of sight to the blind man (two men in Matthew) can command our attention in a way that "blinds" us to something equally important. What does "sight" mean in this story?
When the blind man, hearing a crowd, inquires what is happening, he is told "Jesus of Nazareth" is passing by. But he does not cry out "Jesus of Nazareth, have pity on me," but rather, "SON OF DAVID, have pity on me!" "Jesus of Nazareth" might be a prominent teacher and healer, but the "Son of David" is much more than that. That title is a messianic title and would require faith to profess it! The response of the crowd is an attempt to silence the beggar who is calling out in faith! Who is really "blind" in this story?
It is one thing to recognize in "Jesus of Nazareth" an admirable human teacher and healer. It is entirely another to recognize in him our God incarnate, a human descendant of David according to God's promise, but truly the Son of God according to the Spirit. This recognition would come to fruition in the cross and resurrection. Physical sight, as important as it is, will require faith to recognize Jesus as Son of David. The blind man has much to teach us. We ignore him at our peril! AMEN