"What do you want me to do for you? Lord, please let me see." - Luke 18:41
We all knew that kid in school (some of us were ourselves that kid) who never seemed to stop asking questions. Now, there are many reasons why he might persist in these questions. Perhaps he isn't keeping up and needs further explanation, or maybe he understands but is trying to come to a deeper understanding of the subject (which the other kids would deem unnecessary and a waste of time). Either way, he is simply asking for help, and either way the other kids would get annoyed and try to silence him, and—unfortunately—it would mostly work. I say unfortunately because no matter what his reasons, that child is not getting the help he needs.
The beggar in today's Gospel did not fold under this pressure. In fact, he intensified his calling out. He persisted because he knew that Jesus, the Son of David—the Messiah—was the one who could heal him. Thanks to his determined faith, Jesus does heal him. This Gospel, therefore, contains two lessons for us, each depends on the role we find ourselves playing in the narrative. The first is if we, like the beggar, have need of the healing of Jesus, we cannot and should not allow externals to silence us. We must have the courage to call out to Jesus despite our pride, anxiety, brokenness, feelings of unworthiness—whatever may be holding us back. When we approach Christ, we must boldly answer His question: "What do you want me to do for you." On the other hand, the second lesson tells us that we cannot behave as the crowds did. We cannot try to silence or ignore the cries for help that come from the poor and afflicted. We must heed their pleas and do as Jesus orders the crowds—bring them to Him.
How can I find the courage to call out to Jesus for help? How can I invite those who are suffering and crying for help to the healing power of Christ?
Lord Jesus, have mercy on me and heal me as I look to help those who suffer and cry out for help.
Reflection by:
Spencer Grant
Did you know...
Spencer Grant is currently in his first year of seminary at St. John Vianney College Seminary as a junior. Born and raised in Tampa, his family joined the Catholic Church when he was eleven years old and have been parishioners at St. Timothy in Lutz since then. He enjoys his time on the golf course and is an avid Bucs, Lightning and Rays fan.
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