The Canticle of Zechariah: He has raised up a horn for our salvation
within the house of David his servant Lk 1:69
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. Lk 18:35-43
The blind beggar is not identified as a Jew or non-Jew (Gentile). He does not shout Jesus heal me. He shouts the faith that he has that Jesus is the Messiah and will bring salvation to all people. Zechariah is John the Baptist’s father and in his canticle he states “He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant.” Thus, the blind beggar states what today has become known as the Jesus prayer, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” Then Jesus says what every human wants to hear, “What do you want me to do for you?” The irony is that the blind beggar already sees better than most Jesus encounters by having faith and believing what He has heard, not seen. “Blessed are those who believe and do not see.” How strong is your faith in Jesus Christ?
Today’s challenge: If today Jesus came to you and asked you, “What do you want me to do for you?” what would you ask him for? Hopefully, not money, electronics, or athletic ability which sometimes we pray for and our culture glorifies instead of God, but things that will last forever-love and mercy.
Become a saint!
Christian YOLO
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