The alertness of the blindman

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 33rd Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 18:35-43*

*First Reading : 1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63*

*The alertness of the blindman*

*1) The Blind man at Roadside*

We see in today's Gospel a blind man, who had no eye sight, was sitting at the roadside 

Even though he had no eye sight, he was very active and alert in his work 

His alertness about the situation brings a great change in his life 

*2) The alertness of the Blind man*

By sitting at the roadside he was able to sense everything that was happening 

First of all, he perceived that there was a huge crowd, which was passing by 

Secondly, we also see the blind was trying to enquire about the situation, to know what is happening in the place 

Thirdly once he knew that it was Jesus who was passing by, he became fully alert and used the opportunity to the fullest 

This shows how the blindman was alert in his life 

*3) The height of His alertness*

The Gospel tells us that people informed the blind man that Jesus is passing by 

Neither the blind had seen Jesus earlier nor someone in the crowd said in the spot that Jesus is divine healer. 

Nothing of such information was given to him. But when he heard the Name of Jesus, he knew everything about Jesus, especially his healing power 

A blind man knowing the up-to-date information about Jesus shows how alert the blind man was 

*4) Be on your guard, Be alert*

In the Gospel we have these words, which were spoken by Jesus 

Be on your guard, be alert, because you don't know when the master of the house comes 

Because you don't know when the Son of Man comes. 

The blind man, was alert, he was on his guard, therefore he met the Son of God, which brought about a great Change 

What a marvelous result of being alert in life 

*5) Lack of alertness and the Blindman*

If the blindman was not alert, then he would have lost the Golden Opportunity to encounter Jesus 

Since he was alert, it was possible for him to catch the attention of Jesus and thus to get his sight back 

We can imagine the result of being alert in our life 

*6) Lack of alertness causes huge damage*

At times it can take away our life 

At times one can lose the way of life and become slave of the evil things 

At times one can lose the spiritual thirst in life and may result in going away from God 

At times it can spoil our life and purpose of our life 

So alertness is very much needed 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*