Jesus healed a man born blind in today’s gospel reading and it was certainly a cause of celebration. The gospel said that after his healing, all the people gave praise to God. What other human being has ever given sight to a person that was born blind?
This was definitely a major miracle, the likes of which mankind had never seen before. Jesus’ disciples probably talked about this miracle and recounted all of the details of this event for many years after his death, before Saint Luke recorded it for the rest of mankind to read.
Miracles are not given solely for the benefit of the person who received it. Yes, Jesus in his infinite compassion for those who suffer, wanted to heal this man who was blind and end the life long suffering his disability had caused him. However, the gospel today recounts how this miracle affected not only the man who was cured, but also the community in which he lived.
This miraculous event got the attention of the entire town. Even though the people who were walking with Jesus tried to keep the blind man quiet, so he wouldn’t disturb the Lord, they all celebrated when Jesus turned – and healed him. All of the people present that day praised the awesome power of the Lord, indicating God’s real presence among them.
This miracle is beautiful on so many levels. Jesus cared that the blind man couldn’t see and healed his affliction so he wouldn’t suffer anymore. The gospel reading today is so awesome because Jesus loves us this same way too. Jesus cares when we are suffering. Many people ask why does God allow suffering? But it isn’t His will that we suffer, any more than it was Jesus’ will that people suffer. Jesus spent his entire ministry easing the suffering of all the sick people that he encountered during in his public ministry.
We should never doubt that the Lord is with us during our own periods of suffering. Jesus cares about every form of suffering that we go through during our lives. Physical illness, grief, emotional suffering, social isolation, and our spiritual dilemmas as well. There is never a time in our lives that we suffer alone. Jesus didn’t leave the blind man alone after his initial healing and he won’t leave us alone either. He walks by our side always, no matter what happens to us during our life. We are safe in his loving care. Even if everyone else rejects us or abandons us, Jesus never will. Jesus loves us every single minute of our lives and will continue to do so, forever.
Daily Mass Readings:
Revelation 3: 1-6, 14-22 / Psalm 15 / Luke 19: 1-10
