Sunday, July 19, 2015

Today’s Reading  |  Matthew 9:27–34
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.

After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.” (NRSV)

Reflection
In this text, Jesus heals two men who were blind and one who was mute. Previously in Matthew, Jesus had performed other miracles and healing. News was spreading about Jesus. There was desperation among the afflicted, and we see the great faith of people in being healed by Jesus. He stops and listens to those asking for his mercy. He verifies their faith in him and in God. He shows great compassion for the less fortunate. Many were amazed and astonished, words we often see in the New Testament. But others were fearful of his powers.

Here we see the great commitment of Jesus to us and the need for us to be servants and respond to the need we see all around us, individually and as a church. We also see Jesus testing the level of faith that allowed the blind men to regain sight.

In this modern world, are we still amazed and astonished as were the people during Jesus’ time?  

Prayer
Dear God, may I understand that despite any circumstantial limitations that I may have, I will be rewarded for my deep, persistent, and growing faith. Help me to reach out to you, to receive your grace. And just as Jesus aided the less fortunate, I also must stop, look, and listen and have compassion and do what I can to help, reflecting Jesus’ example. Amen.

Written by Claudia Winkler, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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