Faith Daily | 15 November 2021

PRAYER of the DAY - PENTECOST

Almighty God,

whose sovereign purpose none can make void:

give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world,

knowing that your kingdom shall come,

and your will be done,

to your eternal glory;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

GOSPEL for the Day: Luke 18: 35-43

35As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, 41“What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me see again.” 42Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” 43Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.

GOSPEL Reflection: Contributed by: by Peter Galbraith

Again, we see Jesus recognising and healing the marginalised. This man knew the significance of Jesus as Son of David, for he added that insight when told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing. He was insistent, shouting it twice, and Jesus heard him and stopped. Far from being intimidated, the blind beggar refused to be silenced. There are times when it is necessary to refuse to take “no” for an answer!

Like the disciples with the children, those with the power had their own priorities and they did not include the needs of a blind beggar. And as in similar situations Jesus stopped and ministered to need, putting this ahead of any protocols others sought to impose.

We read that the healed man immediately began to follow Jesus, glorifying God. This is in stark contrast to nine of the ten cleansed lepers in the previous chapter who showed no gratitude for what had been done for them. We are reminded how easy it is to take things for granted, rather than to appreciate and be thankful for ways in which we have been blessed. A message as pertinent today as it was then.

FINAL PRAYER: APBA p596

O God,

you give light to the blind and comfort to the sorrowing,

and in your Son you have given us

a High Priest who has offered the true sacrifice for us

and yet can sympathise with us in our weakness:

hear the cry of your people

and lead us home to our true country,

where wit your Son and the Holy Spirit

you live and reign, one God, in glory everlasting.

Amen.