MONDAY OF THE THIRTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, NOVEMBER 15, 2021

THE BLIND BEGGAR, LAWRENCE ALMA TADEMA

MASS READINGS

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Lk 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!” 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.

REFLECTION

“Son of David, have pity on me!”

And hearing a crowd going by, the blind man said, “Son of David, have pity on me!” but the crowd rebuked him.

There are times in our lives that we are the poor blind beggar. But, at times we are the crowd not paying attention to the person next to us or to their plight. Today we are faced with ever increasing crises --loss of health, old age, lost children, loss of marriage, loss of home, loss of job, and loss of faith. We are all needy in front of Jesus, but some people do not have a voice nor the ability to fight for themselves. They are poor and disabled. Some may even think that they have no right disturbing God with their problems.

There are many people sitting by the side of the road, shouting for help. But they scare us-either by their behavior or their choices in life, such as alcohol, drugs, social views, mental illnesses. We can't relate to their problems, nor do we have the patience or love.

But they are crying out for help, maybe not verbalizing as such. Like Jesus, we can stop and do all we can to help them. Preach to them about God's Kingdom, the kingdom of justice, love and peace. Ask them how we can help--and pray continuously with confidence that the Lord is listening to their/our pleas.

May we all see God's presence in our lives and the life of the poor. May we see what God wants us to do, may we see the goodness of the Lord. May we see our faith in action with our fellow man.

God bless you