Readings: Isaiah 29:17-24, Ps. 27:1,4,13-14, Matthew 9:27-31
“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, saying, ‘According to your faith, be it done to you.’ And their eyes were opened.” (Matthew 9:28-30)
Isaiah speaks of a time when the deaf shall hear, and from their gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. This prophecy of Isaiah is clearly fulfilled in our Gospel passage. Notably, all the prophecies concerning Jesus Christ were eventually fulfilled in His life, including those about His death. We can trust in Jesus because He is truly the Son of God, the Saviour of the World, the One who was born to remove our blindness, heal our sickness, feed our hungry stomachs, and protect us from oppressors and danger.
Two blind men cried out loudly to Jesus, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” Jesus did not respond to them until he entered a house, and the two men followed him inside. Even when it seems God doesn’t care about your predicament, do not stop praying, calling out to Jesus, visiting the Blessed Sacrament, or reading your Bible. Pray until something happens, and continue praying after it does. (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).
Be cautious; not everything that glitters is gold, and not every building with the word “church” is necessarily a church. Be wary of those who promise quick fixes to your problems. Avoid entering the devil’s den because God has not resolved your issue. The devil offers nothing of value; whatever you gain from him, be prepared to pay a higher price. If God has not yet answered you, there is a reason why.
Jesus asked the two blind men: “Do you believe I can do this?” Whenever you go on your knees to pray, picture God asking you this question, and please answer it sincerely. Was this question necessary? Jesus needed to ask them because, in truth, not all those who cry and shout in prayer have faith. Not all those who say “Lord, Lord” will enter God’s kingdom.
The two blind men answered yes. Jesus said, “According to your faith, let it be done to you.” This is significant. Jesus appears to attribute their healing to the strength of their faith. Their eyes would have remained shut if they had lied about their faith. According to your faith. If your faith is weak, you can’t accomplish much. This is a fundamental principle of life. You can’t achieve anything without first believing it is possible. Today is “the tomorrow” you expected yesterday, and your tomorrow is precisely what you believe today. You cannot accomplish anything physically without first achieving it mentally.
Life is tough, and nothing good comes easily. Bad things happen without warning. Life will always give you reasons to complain. Problems are never fully resolved. But how do we stay alive and succeed? Faith! Believe and continue believing. Prayer works. God cares. Jesus warned them not to publicise this healing, but the two blind men could not keep it to themselves. Jesus wants us to love him, worship him as God, and not approach him like a magician. Faith is not just about receiving from God but also about remaining steadfast when things are difficult.
Let us pray: Stir up your power, we pray, O Lord, and come, that with you to protect us, we may find rescue from the pressing dangers of our sins, and with you to set us free, we may be found worthy of salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of the 1st week of Advent. Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 29:17-24, Ps. 27:1,4,13-14, Matthew 9:27-31)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu