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If you could ask for anything, what would it be?
As he 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. - Luke 18:35-43
Today's Gospel story os all about having faith, but it raises a question for all of us. What would we ask for if we could get God's attention?
Many who approached Jesus asked to be cured of a disease or affliction, from blindness to leprosy, while others came to seek help for someone else, a child or brother.
While these stories are great examples of miracles showing God's power and compassion through Christ, they should also help prepare us for our encounter with God. What will our faith lead us to?
Chances are, deep down, we may not expect a miracle, and that could be enough to prevent one. That doubt is all it takes to keep the faith at bay, and that could make a difference in the outcome.
Miracles may not happen with an abundance of faith, yet we know they won't happen if we don't believe. We have to ask as though we have already received.
That's the lesson in today's reading. We need to have faith and know what we want that faith to help us be and do.
I think if we figure out what it is we need, what we would go to God asking for, we just might develop the faith needed to help make it happen.
Like the blind man, we need to know He hears us, so we should take the time to talk with Him every day. Then, when we know what it is we need from Him, we will have the confidence and faith to know He will answer.
More to come...