Monday, 3/27As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved
you.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God. Usually when I read or hear this story of the blind man calling out to Jesus, I get preoccupied by those in the crowd trying to keep him quiet. Yet this time my heart and imagination are caught by this moment when he finally is heard by Jesus, and their interaction. He is persistent regardless of people trying to quiet him down. As a result, he is heard and responded to by Jesus. My guess is that there are many of us who have continued to walk on by, regardless of those we have heard cry out to us asking for our help. I know I have. Especially living in New York City for so many years, I would often bury myself deeper into my book on the subway or rush along the sidewalk. But occasionally I would stop. And sometimes I’d have more time than others. And usually the brief exchanges were positive. If help could be offered, gratitude was expressed. Today there are a lot of different voices clamoring for attention from our leaders, our churches and God. It’s really hard to figure out what to stop and pay attention to these days. What this Gospel story reminds me of is that we are often called to resist that temptation to just keep on going and to pause and listen. Perhaps in those moments of interacting with those crying out from the road, Jesus may open our own eyes to the stranger in our midst who deserves our mercy and compassion. - The Rev’d Jenny Owen ![]() Today's |