THE WORD
1 Mal 1: 10–15.41–43.54–57.62–63 / Lk 18: 35–43
As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him,“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
IN OTHER WORDS
What else would a blind man want, except the ability to see? This, most of us would probably say, supposing that we know what the blind want or feel. But how do we really know, we who may have the grace to have our two eyes able to clearly see? What do we know about being blind, about the feelings of one who is blind? We probably are just projecting into the life of the blind what we who see think they themselves are thinking or wishing.
Not so with Jesus. Son of God, He should know. He should have known. And yet. And yet. Called to the blind man shouting for pity, Jesus does not say, “I know what you want. You want to see, don’t you? Okay, by my power, with my love, I un-blind you. Now, see!” Not anything of this sort. With much respect, Jesus asks a basic question, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus does not jump the gun, as it were, He does not rush into conclusions. He asks. Lord God almighty. The Lord of heaven and earth asks!!! He has that muchrespect for the blind man whom other people simply wanted to shut up or to shut down. Not Jesus. Jesus asks. And from the answer to the question, He does what is requested.
Thank You, dear Jesus, for this wonderful example of humility and respect. Thank You for teaching me how to deal with others. Often, I go around thinking I know the answers to many if not all questions. Sometimes I want to impress and piece out the advice that I expect is being asked – even if it is not. I do not have enough respect for other people but I expect them to respect me. Thank You for showing me the way.
Respect, I remember from my Latin classes, is an English word that has its roots in the Latin re (again), and spicere (to look, to see). It connotes seeing again, looking again at a person a second and a third time or more, not content with the first glance. It is in the subsequent looks and considerations, that one begins the journey to understanding the other person. From the knowledge gathered, one develops respect.
Today, dear Lord, help me go around my daily tasks with an eye open to the dignity of the other person. To ask first before supposing anything. To respect others enough as to ask as You did, “What do you want me to do for you?” And in the answer find a way to love and serve.
- Fr Roderick C. Salazar, SVD (CKMS, QC)
The Word in other words 2015
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
