Friday, December 5, 2014

Friday 5 December #Hope



As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”  When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.”  Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.”  And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, “See that no one knows of this.” But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district.
Matthew 9: 27-31
Readings:Psalm 27, Isaiah 29: 7-24 and Matthew 9:27-31


Reflection 


How beautiful this season of anticipation and hope can be! A theme of light is reflected in these bible readings; each brings a little more light than the previous one. Isaiah is
relating how the promise of the Redemption will bring light we cannot imagine.

Matthew’s story brings light to the blind and the psalmist prays, “The Lord is my light.” In the passage from Isaiah we recognize a spirit of hopefulness a—“joy in the Lord.” The prophet says that the “children of Israel will see the Lord.” When Matthew speaks of  this “vision,” his comments are more human. As Matthew recounts the story two human beings who are blind have encountered Jesus. They cried out, “Son of David have pity on us.” Matthew, of course, was writing for Jews who had followed Jesus, and they would have been very familiar with the Hebrew prophets and history. What a suffering not being able to see anything! Jesus, of course, recognized their plight. He replied “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord, we do believe.” He touched their eyes, and they were able to see. “Don’t tell anyone.” How could they not tell? They were ecstatic! Moreover, when they met their friends, words were not necessary. What Jesus was eliciting from the blind persons was a profession of faith.

How do you respond when you find yourself in a situation where you seek “light?” Is your faith in Jesus real or is it merely superficial?



Alleluia, alleluia.
Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.
Alleluia, alleluia.

Prayer
I wait and look for you in my life.
I wait longing for the news I desperately want to hear.
I wait in desperation.
In the darkness may I know your light.
In despair your peace.
Help me to remember that “your grace is sufficient for me” that all I cling to I can lay at your feet. So I lay it down, my tears, my fears .. my all.

Amen
 




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