Pope: How often we feel annoyed by those in need

At the General Audience Francis emphasizes that Jesus begins "at the service" of those in need, "pours out his mercy on all those whom he met", gathers them into a new people. "So many people, even today, are marginalized because of a disability, physical or otherwise".

 

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - " How often do we feel annoyed when we see people in the streets who are sick or hungry? How often are we annoyed by the sight of refugees and migrants" while in the Gospel Jesus shows that we must be "at the service" of those in need. Jesus who "pours out his mercy on all those whom he met", gathers them into a new people able to recognize even those who need help and consolation, the "many people who, even today, are marginalized because of a disadvantage, be it physical or in some other form": This was the theme addressed today by the Pope in his catechesis for the general audience, based on the story of the blind man of Jericho, whose sight is restored by Jesus.

"Today - said Francis to the 30 thousand people present in St Peter's Square - we want to grasp the meaning of this sign because it also affects us directly. The evangelist Luke says that the blind man was sitting by the roadside begging (cf. v. 35). A blind man in those days – but even until not so long ago - lived on charity. That blind man represents the many people who, even today, are marginalized because of a disadvantage, be it physical or of other kind. He is separated from the crowd that goes about its business as usual, a crowd that passes ... but he's just there. "

"It’s a sad picture of marginalization, especially against the backdrop of the city of Jericho, the beautiful, lush oasis in the desert. We know that the people of Israel after the Exodus from Egypt came to Jericho: that city is the gateway to the promised land. Remember the words which Moses pronounced at the time: " If one of your kindred is in need in any community in the land which the LORD, your God, is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor close your hand against your kin who is in need. Instead, you shall freely open your hand and generously lend what suffices to meet that need. The land will never lack for needly persons" (Deut 15,7.11). The contrast between this recommendation of the Law of God and the situation described in the Gospel is stark: the blind man cries while invoking Jesus, people reproached him to keep quiet. They have no mercy on him, in fact, his cries annoy them. Indifference and hostility make us blind and deaf, unable to see our brethren and recognize the Lord in them. Note an interesting detail. The Evangelist says that someone from the crowd told the blind man the reason for all these people saying: "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by!" (V. 37). The passage of Jesus is indicated by the same verb with which the book of Exodus speaks of the angel destroyer that saves the Israelites in the land of Egypt (cf. Ex 12,23). It is the 'passage' of the Passover, the beginning of liberation. The blind man, then, it is as if his Passover is announced. Undaunted, the blind man repeatedly cries out to Jesus recognizing him as the Son of David, the awaited Messiah who, according to the prophet Isaiah, opens the eyes of the blind (cf. Is 35,5). Unlike the crowd, this blind man sees with the eyes of faith. Thanks to it, his supplication has a powerful effect. In fact, he is heard,  "Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring him to him" (v. 40). In doing so Jesus takes the blind man by the side of the road and places him at the center of his disciples and the crowd. Thus there is a dual passage. First, people had announced good news to the blind, but wanted nothing to do with him. Now Jesus obliges everyone to be aware that proclaiming the good news involves placing the one who was excluded at the center of their path. Second, in turn, the blind man could not see, but his faith opens up the path to salvation, and he finds himself in the midst of those who took to the streets to see Jesus. The passage of the Lord is a merciful encounter which unites those around him to allow them to recognize who needs help and consolation. "

"Jesus turns to the blind man, and asks," What do you want me to do for you? "(V. 41). These words of Jesus are impressive: the Son of God is now in front of the blind man like a humble servant. God becomes man's servant,  sinner. The blind man replied to Jesus no longer calling him 'Son of David', but 'Lord', the title that the Church from the beginning has applied to the Risen Jesus. The blind man asks to see again, and his wish is granted, "Have your sight! Your faith has saved you "(v. 42). He showed his faith by invoking Jesus and wanting to meet him absolutely, and this has brought the gift of salvation. Through faith he can now see and, above all, feel loved by Jesus. This is why the story ends by reporting that the blind "began to follow him, giving glory to God" (v. 43): He began to walk as a disciple behind the Lord and joining his community. The one who others wanted to silence, now testifies his encounter with Jesus of Nazareth out loud, and "all the people, when they saw this, gave praise to God" (v. 43). It takes a second miracle: what happened to the blind means that even the people finally see. The same light illuminates them all, bringing them all together in the prayer of praise. So Jesus pours out his mercy on all those he meets: he calls them, gathers them, heals them and enlightens them, creating a new people that celebrates the wonders of his merciful love. "

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