Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious
Readings: 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63; Psalm 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158; Luke 18:35-43
Summary
The Lord is always passing by. In our gospel portion today and cross-referenced to other occasions, we read of the most basic of encounter: Jesus is coming by, what do you ask of him?
As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” (Lk 18:35-38)
Isn’t this the most important question and response for each of us?
There are several times in sacred scripture the Lord is ‘passing by’ to name a few:
- Jericho and Zacchaeus: At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town (Lk 19:1).
- Emmaus and disciples: He gave the impression that he was going on farther (Lk 24:28).
- Exodus and Moses: And the LORD passed by before him (Ex 34:5).
- Genesis and Adam: And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day (Gn 3:8).
Reflection
Isn’t that the message?
Jesus is always walking by (walking with, walking for)…. what do we ask of him?
- “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” (Lk 18:35-38)
- ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ (Lk 18:13).
- He cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Mt 14:30).
All day today our prayer: Jesus, pity us, be merciful to us, save us! Amen!!
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111725.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry