Do you believe that I can do this?

Greetings on this the Friday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; Matthew 9:27-31

Summary

Do you believe that I can do this? (Mt 9:28).

In our Friday gospel reading (writing this in the night Saturday morning), a time of renewal is upon us. Jesus is asking us to believe the ancient promises as current, universal, and powerfully present for us too. ‘Do you believe?’ is the precious question we must answer, each of us. Are you set adrift in the universe or are you a part of the divine family?

Reflection

In our gospel portion today, we encounter the fast-moving Jesus. The entirety of Matthew chapter 9 Jesus is moving from one place to another, going into one house or another, attending from one human need to the next, while never hesitating and always moving forward gathering people back to the family of God.

• He entered a boat, made the crossing, and came into his own town (Mt 9:1).
• As Jesus passed on from there, while he was at table in his house (Mt 9:9a-10a).
• And as Jesus passed on from there (Mt 9:27).
• Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness (Mt 9:35).

As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” (Mt 9:27, 28b-29)

Personal Reflection

Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction (Isa 29:24).

The great tragedy of this age is the derogation of our Aspirational View being reduced to Illusion and from Illusion to Delusion and, soon, from Delusion to Prohibition. Christmas is historical and aspirational. Some have reduced it to illusion without foundations – Saying ‘Merry Christmas‘ is the height of the meaning voiding the aspirational change we seek in ourselves during Advent. The Nativity of Jesus without aspiration of holiness is a contrived Illusion. It will not be long where the illusion (ceremonials) gives way to derisive delusionment (optional, superficial, irrelevant).

Modern version of that: You can’t have Christmas without the Christ.

Do you believe that I can do this? Means not simply, Can I do these things (Heal). It is more substantially, Do I (Jesus) want to do these things?

“Yes, Lord,” they said to him.

In the same way, Jesus asks us to do. The two now-sighted men did not understand the assignment. And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” (Mt 9:30). They wanted to sell an illusion. Jesus wanted them to adapt the Aspiration.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120525.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry