Luke 18: 35-43
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
That Time When Jesus Did Not Draw Near
In the middle of a chaotic, crowded moment, Jesus heard someone shouting his name, asking for mercy… begging for mercy… pleading for mercy. When he heard those in close proximity angrily “shushing” the man and then the man responding with even more desperation, Jesus stood still. Jesus heard the desperate pleas for mercy but did not draw near to the man in need.
Instead, he ordered those who had been shushing the man in need to instead bring the man to him. Instead of silencing the man’s need, Jesus required his followers to bring the man, and his desperate need, into his presence. Jesus had them release their own judgements of worthiness or convenience and instead practice the ministry of accompaniment, drawing near to one in need, walking him to Jesus, and allowing the man to speak of his need, in his own words, directly to Jesus.
And, as a result, because of the man’s persistent and insistent faith, he was saved. And Jesus, in his mercy, healed him.
Is there someone in your life whose need feels outrageous or inconvenient and to whom you must draw near today?
—Laura Gilmartin H. facilitates Urban Plunge immersion retreats through Casa Romero: A Jesuit Renewal Center, serves on the leadership team of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps of Milwaukee, and maintains a private spiritual care practice for monthly spiritual direction as well as the accompaniment of people through The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. She completed her formation to serve in this capacity through the Seminars in Ignatian Formation with the Midwest Province.
Prayer
Jesus, our Teacher,
Sometimes your lessons
About Loving
Surprise us.
Teach us, anyway,
To love
As you Love.
—Laura Gilmartin H.
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