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A Foundation that Endures: An Advent Reflection
MT 9:27-31
Scripture Passage
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
Grace Prayed For
Confident Faith: When Jesus asked, “Do you believe that I can do this?” the blind men answered with a resounding “Yes, Lord!” Pray for a confident faith that truly believes in Jesus’ power to heal and transform you. This kind of faith doesn’t deny the reality of challenges, but it trusts in Jesus’ ability to work through them and bring good out of them.
Reflection
This encounter between Jesus and the two blind men, tucked away in Matthew’s Gospel, offers a powerful message of faith, healing, and the transformative power of God’s grace, particularly relevant as we journey through Advent.
Eyes of Faith:
Advent is a season of expectant waiting, a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. The blind men, physically unable to see, exemplify a different kind of sight – the eyes of faith. They recognize Jesus as the “Son of David,” the promised Messiah, even though they cannot physically see him. Their cry for pity is a cry of faith, a recognition of their deep need and Jesus’ power to heal. In Advent, we too are called to cultivate the eyes of faith, to see beyond the surface and recognize the presence of Christ in our lives, even when it’s not always obvious.
The Gift of Healing:
Jesus’ question, “Do you believe that I can do this?” cuts to the heart of faith. The blind men’s response, “Yes, Lord,” is a powerful affirmation of their belief in his divine power. And their faith is rewarded with physical healing. In Advent, we are invited to bring our own “blindness” to Jesus – our spiritual blindness, our doubts, our fears, our brokenness. He desires to heal us, to open our eyes to the truth of his love and the reality of his kingdom. This healing may not always be physical, but it is always transformative, bringing us closer to God and empowering us to live more fully in his light.
The Trinitarian God at Work:
This passage subtly reveals the work of the Trinity. The blind men call upon Jesus, the Son of God, who responds with compassion and healing. Their faith is a gift from the Father, who draws them to his Son. And the healing itself is an act of the Holy Spirit, the divine power that brings about transformation and new life. In Advent, we are reminded that our salvation is a work of the entire Trinity – the Father’s loving plan, the Son’s redemptive sacrifice, and the Spirit’s ongoing presence in our lives.
A Call to Witness:
Despite Jesus’ warning to remain silent, the healed men cannot contain their joy and gratitude. They go out and proclaim the good news of what Jesus has done for them. In Advent, we too are called to be witnesses to the light of Christ, sharing his love and hope with the world. This witness may take many forms – acts of kindness, words of encouragement, a life that reflects the values of the Gospel. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us be inspired by the example of these two blind men, whose faith was transformed into sight and whose gratitude overflowed into joyful proclamation.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Boldly Approaching Jesus: The blind men, despite social norms and potential discouragement, cried out to Jesus with persistence and boldness. This teaches us to approach Jesus without reservation, expressing our needs and desires honestly. Intimacy grows when we are willing to be vulnerable and authentic with him, just as the blind men were.
Daily Scripture Reflection
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post