The Messiah,  "Son of David, help us!

The title "Saviour" signifies his role in delivering people from their sins.

It is a cry of anguish and desperation,

but also of hope, as those who cry out believe

that Jesus can and will provide healing, restore them, and set them free.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Isaiah 29:17-24

In a very short time,

Lebanon will become a fruitful field and the fruitful field will be as a forest.

On that day the deaf will hear the words of the book, and out of the dark and obscurity the eyes of the blind will see.

The meek will find joy and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

 

For the tyrant will be no more and the scoffers gone forever, and all who plan to do evil will be cut down those who by a word make you guilty,

those who for a bribe can lay a snare and send home the just empty-handed.

Therefore, the Lord, Abraham's redeemer, speaks concerning the people of Jacob:

 

No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will his face grow pale.

When he sees the work of my hands, his children again in his midst, they will sanctify my name,

they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and stand in awe of the God of Israel.

Those who err in spirit will understand; those who murmur will learn.

 

Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      Matthew 9:27-31

As Jesus moved on from there, two blind men followed him, shouting, "Son of David, help us!"

When he was about to enter the house, the blind men caught up with him; and Jesus said to them,

"Do you believe that I am able to do what you want?"

They answered, "Yes, sir!"

Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "As you have believed, so let it be." And their eyes were opened.

Then Jesus gave them a stern warning, "Be careful that no one knows about this."

But as soon as they went away, they spread the news about him through the whole area.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"They recognized that Jesus is the Son of David and Saviour."

"And out of the dark and obscurity the eyes of the blind will see."

Isaiah tells of the time of the Messiah who would bring healing, peace and enlightenment to the people.

Now Jesus has come, and for those who were open to understanding the meaning of these wonders,

his miracles of healing are a declaration that the time of the Messiah had finally arrived.

 

Others didn't accept Jesus as the Christ and tried to find another explanation for the marvels that had taken place,

And so, acknowledging Jesus as the Christ was also a matter of faith, and didn't just hinge on the physical evidence.

The actions of the blind men are significant, as, although they are unable to see physically,

through the eyes of faith they recognize that Jesus is Son of David and Saviour. Their firm conviction is shown by their pursuit of Jesus,

as he walks away from them. It's a test of faith, since they have to follow the sounds and seek the help of others to catch up with Jesus to ask his help.

Our faith is tested, too, at times. May we grow in conviction and see clearly with the eyes of faith.