Why?

Readings for Friday December 4, 2009

First Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27
Gospel: Matthew 9:27-31


As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land. (Mt 9:27-31)

Today we read about the healing of the two blind men who called out to Jesus asking for pity. Most of us have read and heard this story before, and many of us would agree that this was one of the many miracles that Jesus performed during His earthly life. Instead of taking the traditional route and talking about what a great miracle this was and the awesome healing power of God, I would like to pose a question in regards to this scenario: Why did Jesus heal these two men?

Often times we look at what has happened, and we don't even think about the why. In this story we are not told of the blind men's background, so we are not sure if they did anything to deserve this. Although we do not know, we can assume that nothing that we can do here on earth is ever deserving of such a miracle. Why else would Christ cure these two men? Perhaps He was showing off? That is also doubtful, especially since Jesus is God and He models perfect humility; and He also told these two men not to tell anybody. So if it wasn't anything they did or to show boat, then what was it? My guess is that it was because of two reasons ... love and mercy.

Jesus does not have to do anything for us, He does so out of love and mercy. He is God, and God is love, so therefore His why is because of love. He wishes to pour out that love to us, His children, who have done nothing to deserve this love, but because He is rich and abundant in love He chooses to have mercy on each of us. All He asks from us is to have faith and believe.

Jesus works wonders in our lives each and every day out of love. This same love is the reason why He died on the cross for our sake.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we thank you and praise you so much for the great gifts in our lives. Lord, help us during this life. We need you so much, and we cannot do this without you. Lord, increase our faith so that we may never stray from you. Keep us humble and wise, knowing what your will for us is. Thank you for all that you give and all that you do. We do not deserve all of your love and mercy, but each day you pour it out on us, help us to never forget this. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.