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Gospel Reading for November 17, 2025 – Luke 18: 35-43
IT IS TOO LATE
As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
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Imagine ourselves as the blind man sitting by the roadside and begging, because it iis the only way to survive. How painful it is to be so dependent on others and not be able to make a living because we have a handicap. How painful it is to experience the insensitivity of others like the one the blind man experienced in the gospel of today. Instead of the blind man asking what was happening, the people who were walking with Jesus, should have thought that this would be his chance to be healed of his blindness, and instead of rebuking him, brought him to Jesus.
Of course, Jesus knew what the blind man wanted. He knew the thoughts of people around him, but yet, he asked the man what he wanted to be done by Jesus. Perhaps, Jesus wanted to hear his plea, or perhaps, Jesus wanted the man to express his faith in him, because it was what would heal him.
To be true Christians, we need to develop EMPATHY. It is this that will move us to help those in need, not just material need, but also those who are suffering from depression mostly caused by loneliness because the people they think should care for them, do not care. They may even be inside our own homes. Children who long for the love of their parents who are so busy making money or giving a lot of attention to their social life. Sometimes, parents expect their children who are old enough to handle challenges in life, hence, the children put up an artificial brave front, until one day, they get the biggest and most painful surprise of their life – the child decided to end his/her life. There is nothing else they can do. IT IS TOO LATE.
Parents need to always communicate with their children as they are growing up. They need to listen to their stories and try to hear what is not being said so they may hear when their children are silently crying for help. In the gospel of today, even in the midst of a crowd, Jesus heard the blind man’s cry for help and he made sure the man would get healed.
Lord Jesus, help us set our country free from corruption and injustices that cause suffering, especially of poor families!
