“Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” the blind man of Jericho calls out when he hears the commotion of Jesus coming near. What exactly is he asking? The dictionary says “pity” is a sympathetic sorrow for someone in distress. Is he asking Jesus to feel sorry for him? I don’t think so, and based on Jesus’ response, I don’t think Jesus thought so either. “What do you want me to do for you?” That is more of a response to “Jesus, help me.” Luke tells us the blind man’s reply: “Lord, please let me see.” 

Those five little words pack a powerful statement. First, an affirmation of faith: “Lord.” Jesus isn’t just some popular guy with a crowd of fans, the blind man has decided. He is Lord, which is the word Jews used for God instead of His unspeakable name. 

“Please.” The blind man humbles himself; he comes from a place of humility. It is not a prideful demand or an act of self-importance. It is, indeed, a plea. 

“Let me.” The blind man acknowledges that what he asks is Jesus’ choice. He can do it or not. But it’s also a statement of faith that what he asks, Jesus can, in fact, do. The blind man does not doubt.  

“See.” As readers of the Gospel we might assume that since the man is blind, he is asking for his vision to be restored. But, if we go back to the dictionary, we find that vision is just one definition of seeing. It also means knowing, understanding, or figuring it out. 

In that light, the blind man’s reply is more like, “Jesus, truly sent from God, I beg you, if you would, allow me to understand.” Jesus grants him his request, but notice the wording: “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” Jesus doesn’t say vision either. 

Perhaps Jesus is talking about the same kind of sight mentioned in today’s first reading from Revelation. The Church in Ephesus is acknowledged for its ability to tell right from wrong, apostles from impostors. The faithful are commended for their works, their endurance, and their suffering. They see clearly the path they should be on.

Ah, but that is only part of the story. “I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first.” They are admonished for how far they have fallen and urged to repent and love the way they first loved. Again, think of the blind man: He gained his sight, became a follower of Jesus, and gave glory to God. 

This gift of sight is given to us, too. We can see — that is, we can figure out or understand — that Jesus is the son of God, we can choose to follow Him and give glory to God. And we can remember, too, that following and giving glory means that we can love with the love we had at first. And of course, the love we had at first was — and is — that glorious love that God has had for us since the beginning. 

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Saint Sabas

Saint Sabas, born in Cappadocia, was a pivotal figure in early Eastern monasticism, renowned for his devout life of solitude and community leadership.
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