Son of David

Monday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Luke 18:35-43

Now it happened that as he drew near to Jericho there was a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging. When he heard the crowd going past he asked what it was all about, and they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. So he called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he only shouted all the louder, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Sir,” he replied, “let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.” And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God, and all the people who saw it gave praise to God.

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, increase my faith and may your Kingdom come in my heart and in the world.

Encountering Christ:

1. Son of David: The blind man cried out “Son of David.” This title is full of literal and theological significance and reveals faith in Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. Ironically, the blind man who cried out had better vision than those around him. His use of the “Son of David” had a prophetic significance. It alluded to the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would descend from the line of David. From a theological perspective, God promised David that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:15-16), which came to fulfillment in God’s son, Jesus. Whereas David served as a great temporal king, his “Son,” the Messiah, would be established as the definitive eternal King of God’s Kingdom. He would reign forever. Never underestimate the vision of the apparently blind!
2. Advocate: The blind man also perceived that Jesus was able to cure his ailment. As the son of David, Jesus is also King. In Jesus’ time, if men were good kings, their reign was one of service, advocating for the helpless. The blind man appeared to have blind faith in the good heart of Jesus. He was so convinced he would be heard that he shouted all the louder, “Son of David, have pity on me.” When we pray to God, from what conviction does that cry come? Are we convinced that we are in need of healing? Are we convinced that he truly reigns, with the power of an advocate?
3. The Proper Response: Jesus responded to the convicted faith of the blind man. He already knew the heart of this man, yet he asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus desires us to ask as well. He wants to respect our freedom, but he wants to enter into the depth of our reality—sinful, needy, hungry, thirsty, ill, blind. The blind man stated what he wanted and Jesus’ words were fulfilled: “Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.” The Greek word used for “saved” is sosoken. It can signify to save, heal, preserve, rescue, deliver, or protect. Faith won this man a more profound grace than physical sight. His response to the gift was to praise God. Let that be our response as well.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I praise you for the wonders you work in my life and the lives of so many. Just one act of faith wins for us a multitude of grace. The greatest grace is salvation, to be delivered from the deepest ailment, which is sin. Help me to recognize my need for you, and to rejoice in your goodness in my life and the lives of others who come to know and follow you.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will reflect on the areas in my life that truly make me blind, blind to how you would like to heal me more fully. I will praise you for the gifts you shower on me and others as a response to faith.

For Further Reflection: Jesus, Healing of the Blind Beggar, Bartimaeus, and Nine Days to Christ the King Novena, Day 4.

Jennifer Ristine is a consecrated woman of Regnum Christi dedicated to spiritual and faith formation through teaching, conferences, writing, and spiritual direction. While serving in Ancient Magdala she wrote Mary Magdalene: Insights from Ancient Magdala and “Nine Days with Mary Magdalene.”