(Optional Memorial for Saint John of Damascus, Presbyter, Religious, Doctor of the Church)
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| “Christ Healing the Blind Man” by Eustache Le Sueur, c 1640s |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Isaiah 29:17-24
Commentary on Is 29:17-24
This selection from Isaiah is probably a proverb of redemption. We hear the language of messianic hope, as the oracle foresees a time when unjust rulers will be cast down and those who perjure themselves making false accusations (“…those whose mere word condemns a man”) will be discredited. God, who redeemed Abraham (by converting him from idol worship) will save all of the faithful through the messiah.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
R. (1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Commentary on Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14
Psalm 27 is an individual lament. Here the signer expresses faith in God, who is the refuge of the faithful, longing to find ultimate safety and the bounty of God’s heavenly kingdom. This passage from the psalm captures the two major themes of the song, hope in God’s mercy, and complete trust in his goodness. In these strophes, David longs for the Lord’s protection and the gift of life which flows from God's salvation.
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Gospel: Matthew 9:27-31
Commentary on Mt 9:27-31
The two blind men address Jesus with his messianic title “Son of David” in this selection from St. Matthew’s Gospel. The Lord proceeds to respond to that title, fulfilling a major part of the predictive prophecies about the Messiah by causing the blind to see. This event is seen as fulfilling the oracle of Isaiah proclaimed in Isaiah 29:18 (“And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see”).
The two blind men address Jesus with his messianic title “Son of David” in this selection from St. Matthew’s Gospel. The Lord proceeds to respond to that title, fulfilling a major part of the predictive prophecies about the Messiah by causing the blind to see. This event is seen as fulfilling the oracle of Isaiah proclaimed in Isaiah 29:18 (“And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see”).
CCC: Mt 9:27 439, 2616
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Reflection:
The first candle, The Candle of Hope on our Advent Wreath still burns! We are filled with hope because in our faith – we know Christ will open our eyes that we might see God’s Glory. It shines like a beacon as the Nativity of Christ draws near. It is our everlasting hope that we will meet him when he comes again with all the saints in the Heavenly Kingdom.
The very strong link between the prophecy of Isaiah concerning redemption that flows from the Messiah, and Matthew’s Gospel seeing that prophecy fulfilled, leads us to recall part of the celebration that started each of us on the path of faith. In our Baptismal ceremony there is a prayer called The Ephphatha. Ephphatha is from the Aramaic and it means, “be open” or “open.” In sacred scripture it is the word spoken by Christ when he cured the deaf mute along the Sea of Galilee (see Mark 7:31-37).
The Ephphatha prayer is used as the celebrant touches the ears and mouth of the person during the Baptismal rite:
“The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May he soon touch your ears to receive his word, and your mouth to proclaim his faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father. Amen”
This little rite does not deal with the blind regaining their sight but it is another part of the messianic prophecy. It deals with a person’s ability to perceive the world and understand what is taking place. The healing works performed by Jesus become a metaphor for our entire faith journey. How can we see the wonders of the Lord if our eyes are blind to the works of his hand? How can we hear the choirs of angels singing loud hosannas if our ears are closed to the Word of God? Even if we see and hear the wonders of God’s power and glory, how can we tell others if we are mute?
The blind can see, the deaf can hear, and the mute sing the praises of God. These events do not necessarily deal with the cure of physical defects but spiritual handicaps. And the spiritual handicaps are not limited to a few individuals, but are common, even among those who call themselves Christian.
Today, as hope once more streams from the word of God, we pray for ourselves, that the Lord will open our eyes that we might see more clearly, our ears, that we might hear his voice, and our lips that we might praise him with each utterance we make.
Pax
[2] The Picture is “Christ Healing the Blind Man” by Eustache Le Sueur, c 1640s
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