blind faith
"The answer came that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by." —Luke 18:37
The blind man heard that Jesus was passing by. We may hear this same message when we think of praying, are invited to church, listen to a Christian program, or mention Jesus in a conversation. What do we do when we hear Jesus is passing by? The blind man shouted the prayer: "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" (Lk 18:38) After the blind man was sternly ordered to shut up, he courageously and boldly shouted louder: "Son of David, have pity on me!" (Lk 18:39) After disobeying the orders of those trying to silence him, the blind man obeyed Jesus' orders and came close to Him (Lk 18:40). The blind man addressed Jesus as Lord (Lk 18:41), and he asked to see. He was immediately healed after Jesus said: "Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you" (Lk 18:42).
The blind man was healed after he expressed his faith by:
- recognizing the opportunity when Jesus passed by,
- shouting and praying,
- courageously disobeying certain men,
- obeying Jesus,
- coming close to Jesus, and
- recognizing Jesus as Savior, Messiah, and Lord.
Jesus, give us the faith of the blind man.
Prayer: Father, "increase our faith" (Lk 17:5).
Promise: "They preferred to die rather than be defiled with unclean food or to profane the holy covenant." —1 Mc 1:63
Praise: Joyce, on crutches, evangelizes a poor neighborhood each Monday. Her courage and her faith in Jesus touch many hearts.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert A. Stricker, May 8, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 18, 2001