Daily Scripture:

“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.” (Luke 18.35-40)

Daily Reflection:

The situation of this man seems so close to current news. The ‘crowd’ passed him, the people closest to the action wanted him out of hearing. Jesus, however, heard his appeal, stopped and called him forward.

If it weren’t for the media, how aware would we be of those who are out there on the fringe begging to be heard? It’s unpleasant and unwelcome to be faced with stories of abuse and neglect, ingrained prejudice and the failure of individuals or organisations to act fairly, but love bids us listen. Our power to put things right will be limited, just as it was for Jesus; but when he heard this shout for help he acted on it.

David Harmsworth