The Holy Week is fast approaching, and one of things that we usually do is to pause and reflect about what Jesus Christ has done in and through our lives.
One of the stories before the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem was the healing of the blind men in Jericho. The story which can be found in Matthew 20:29 to 34 is about Jesus who was traveling to Jerusalem from Jericho.
The road from Jericho to Jerusalem is called the “Way of Blood” because of the blood shed in this place caused by the robbers. This was the setting of the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
What can we learn from this story?
First, Jesus will find a way to help us in times of danger.
The two blind men in the roadside in Jericho were facing constant danger because of the notoriety of the place. Jesus could even be in danger if He stopped by and helped them. But He stopped and help the blind men.
So, in times of danger in our lives, let us be assured that Jesus will be there for us.
Second, Jesus hears our cries and pleas.
In the story, the two blind men shouted to Jesus and asked for help. Jesus heard their shouting and eventually healed them of their blindness.
Thus, we have to be assured that Jesus hears our every prayer, and will answer us accordingly.
Third, there will be others who will try to be a barrier in our relationship to Jesus.
If we go back to the story, the crowd rebuked the two blind men when they shouted to Jesus. They dissuaded them in approaching Jesus. Instead of becoming silent, they even shouted stronger “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” They did not let the crowd deter them in their relationship with Jesus.
This should be the same with us. There will always be people who will try to tempt us in having a meaningful relationship with Jesus. Let us not give in to them, but instead we must even shout stronger and go nearer to Jesus.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University