Luke 18:35-43 NRSVue

35As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him, and when he came near, he asked him, 41“What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me see again.” 42Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” 43Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God, and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.


Reflection on Luke 18:35-43

Inspiration from 2025-11-17 Daily Prayer

Every day in our daily lives, Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. He has promised to be with us always. In how many of our churches does he wait each day for his brothers and sisters to come and keep him company? Pope St Paul VI once said, ‘The faithful should not omit visiting the Blessed Sacrament each day.’ 

God will never turn a deaf ear to a cry for mercy from the human heart. We are always in need of his mercy and love.

Further reflection

Can I imagine I am present at this scene - in the scene? Who do I identify with?


Am I the blind person crying for help? Am I one of the interested bystanders irritated by the cries of the poor man? Am I one of Jesus' followers?


How does what transpires here move and challenge me?


Jesus does not cure unbidden. He waits to be asked. What may seem from the outside as a desperate need (i.e. for sight) could for the sightless be such a habitual state that they could not imagine themselves otherwise. So Jesus checks out: /What do you want me to do for you?/


Lord, there is a sort of sight I ask from you: to use my eyes fully, to relish every nuance of colour that surrounds me, to pick up the life and feeling in others' faces and bodies, to appreciate and be open to the glorious world of vision which I would miss if I was like this blind man.