Lord, Let Me See: Reflections on Luke 18:35-43

Today's gospel presents us with a powerful encounter between Jesus and a blind beggar on the road to Jericho. It's a story that speaks to the deepest longing of the human heart: the desire to truly see.

The Cry of Faith

Picture the scene: a blind man sitting by the roadside, dependent on the mercy of passersby. When he hears that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by, something stirs within him. Despite the crowd telling him to be quiet, he cries out with even greater urgency: "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

This cry reveals profound faith. The blind man recognizes Jesus not just as a teacher or miracle worker, but as the Messiah, the Son of David. His physical blindness doesn't prevent him from seeing what many in the crowd with perfect vision failed to recognize.

What Do You Want?

Jesus stops and asks a question that seems obvious: "What do you want me to do for you?" Of course Jesus knows what the man needs, but He invites him to articulate his deepest desire. "Lord, let me see," the beggar responds.

How often do we bring our needs to God with such clarity and conviction? This man knew exactly what he needed, and he asked for it directly. There's a lesson here about prayer: we're invited to be honest and specific with God about our deepest needs.

Beyond Physical Sight

While the gospel records a physical healing, it invites us to reflect on our own spiritual blindness. What areas of our lives need the light of Christ? Where have we grown comfortable sitting by the roadside, accepting limitation as permanent?

Perhaps we're blind to: - The ways we hurt those we love - Opportunities to serve others - God's presence in our daily lives - Our own potential for growth and change - The real problems we need to address

The blind beggar's prayer becomes our prayer: "Lord, let me see." Not just with our eyes, but with our hearts. Help us see ourselves as You see us. Help us see others with Your compassion. Help us see the path You're calling us to walk.

The Response of Faith

When Jesus restores his sight, the man immediately follows Him, glorifying God. This is the pattern of genuine encounter with Christ: we receive His mercy, our eyes are opened, and we're transformed into disciples who follow Him and give glory to God.

The healing wasn't just about physical restoration. It was about relationship, about becoming a follower, about entering into the story of salvation.

Our Prayer Today

As we reflect on this gospel, let's make the blind beggar's prayer our own. Throughout this day, repeat these words:

"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me."

"Lord, let me see."