Contemplating today's Gospel
Liturgic day: Friday 1st of Advent
Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, «As you have believed, so let it be». And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus gave them a stern warning, «Be careful and let no one know about this». But as soon as they went away, they spread the news about him through the whole area.
Comment: Fr. Josep Mª MASSANA i Mola OFM (Barcelona, Spain)
«Jesus said to them, 'Do you believe that I am able to do what you want?'. They answered, 'Yes, sir!'»
Today the first Friday of Advent, the Gospel presents three characters: Jesus, and the two blind men who approach him, full of faith and with hopeful hearts. They have heard about him, about his tenderness towards the sick and about his power. These features identified him as the Messiah. Who could help them better than the Son of Man?
Both blind men help each other and, together, address Jesus. The two of them, in unison, make a petition asking Jesus, who they call "Son of David", for compassion: «Son of David, help us!» (Mt 9:27).
Jesus challenges their faith: «Do you believe that I have the power of doing what you ask for?» (Mt 9:28). If they have approached the Lord it is precisely because they believe in him. In chorus they make a beautiful profession of faith, replying: «Lord, we do believe in you». And Jesus gives sight to those who could already see through faith. To believe is to see with interior eyes.
This time of Advent is appropriate for seeking out Jesus with a strong will, like both blind men, in community, as a Church. With the Church we call on the Spirit: «Please come, Jesus Christ our Lord» (cf. Ap 22:17-20). Jesus comes with the power to open the eyes of our heart, to make us see, to make us believe. Advent is a powerful time for prayer: a time for petition, and especially for the professing of faith. A time to see and to believe.
Remember the words of the fable of the Little Prince: «The essential can only be seen with the heart».
