In biblical times, healing was a sign of the coming of the Messiah. In The Book of Isaiah, we read: "Say to the fearful of heart: Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall see, and the ears of the deaf be opened; Then the lame shall leap like a stag, and the mute tongue sing for joy" (Isaiah 35:4-6). All four Gospels relate many miraculous healings performed by Jesus in fulfillment of this prophecy. One of those instances is the curing of the blind man in this Sunday's Gospel passage.
As the passage begins, Jesus is on his way from Jericho to Jerusalem. Today, a modern highway connects the two cities. In biblical times, the road was much less developed, but it was already a major thoroughfare, and one which had a bad reputation. The parable of the Good Samaritan also takes place along this road, highlighting the dangers of being alone in this area. But the blind man sits at the side of this dangerous road, begging. On the one hand, the busyness of the road can help him get more money from generous travelers. On the other hand, the roughness of the area puts him at risk of being robbed of whatever he is able to collect from benefactors. When Jesus passes by, he takes a leap of faith.
Read more...