Reading
Matthew 9:27-31
27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they replied.
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
Comment
Two blind men follow Jesus, "screaming" and loudly proclaiming his messianic dignity. The promise made to David that the Messiah would come from his descendants is fulfilled in Jesus and if many, during his prophetic ministry, do not recognize him, these two men who are deprived of the gift of sight are enlightened to discern the things of God.
There is solidarity between the two blind men who do not pray by saying "have mercy on me" but use the plural "have mercy on us" (v. 27). In that "we" there is all mankind seeking a way out of suffering.
Perhaps due to the disbelief shown by the inhabitants of Capernaum, Jesus waits for the two to enter his house to heal them. The insistence of the two blind men, who follow him even when he withdraws, becomes an occasion for Jesus to ask them for an act of faith in what the Son of David can accomplish. And the miracle is made possible precisely in proportion to their faith.
Jesus advises the two healed men not to spread the news; due to the disbelief of the people of that region or out of prudence in a moment of his ministry still far from his passion. But the light that has been given to men cannot fail to shine in the darkness and thus the healed blind become apostles of him who is "light to the Gentiles" and "glory of Israel" (Lk 2:32). Faith opens our eyes to the wonders of God and moves us to praise and witness.
We too are called to pray insistently to Christ, to follow him when he seems to withdraw from our lives and calls us to make an act of faith. The doors of his house, of his mercy, are open to those who seek him with sincerity of heart.
Prayer
Open the doors of your mercy to us, o Lord, and give us the light that can illuminate every darkness; so that guided by faith we can taste the messianic promises. Amen.
- Rev. Dr. Luca Vona
