Scripture: Matthew 9:27-31
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.
Meditation:
“As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed….”
To enter into the heart of this Gospel passage, you might remember a game you played as a kid: stand at the entrance of your living room, blindfolded, and then try to make your way to the other end of the room. Now try doing this with a partner. It probably won’t be easier. You’ll be laughing so much that you won’t be able to recall exactly where the coffee table is.
Today’s Gospel passage recounts a similar scene. Two blind men find out Jesus is passing by and they both begin to follow him, crying out together for healing. The two blind men take a huge risk. Imagine how foolish they must have looked as they made their way through the crowd, bumping into people as they went.
This is not a case of the “blind leading the blind.” Instead, the two men give each other light, guidance, and courage as they both seek to meet Jesus. They lead each other by the light of desire.
Let’s take a moment to shift our gaze from the blind men to Jesus. How does he react when he sees and hears these two men stumbling toward him? Perhaps their faith and determination surprised him. As Jesus sees them awkwardly making their way toward him, he mus feel compassion and love for them.
When God sees our desire for him and his goodness, when he sees how we rush toward him, perhaps stumbling on the way, he cannot hold himself back. God says, “Let it be done for you,” just as Jesus says to the blind men who seek him out.
Jesus is inviting us to risk allowing our deepest desires and perhaps our deepest darkness to draw us closer to him. He stands knocking on the door of our hearts. Will we let him in?
Prayer:
Lord, I am amazed to discover that the areas of my life that have been most difficult are now leading me closer to you. Although I feel shame and am frustrated by my weakness, it is precisely my weakness that draws me closer to you. It is my weakness that helps me take the risk of stumbling after you. I truly desire to come before you now and to show you my blindness, so as to receive your sight. I desire you.
Contemplation:
“Let it be done for you.”