A Persevering Soul
March 13, 2021 | By Ally Eidemueller BK ‘22
Pictured: person’s left arm holding a pair of glasses out against the horizon.
Today, let us reflect on Matthew 20:29-34:
“As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.” [1]
Saint John Chrysostom writes:
“Let us listen to these blind men, who saw better than many. They were not able to see the Lord when he came near, nor had they anyone to guide them. Nevertheless, they strove to approach, crying out in a loud voice, and when reproved for this cried out all the more. For such is the nature of a persevering soul - it is borne up by the very things that hinder it.” [2]
This passage reminds us of the importance of persevering prayer. Although Jesus knew what they desired, he healed the blind men only after their prayers. Further, the men did not gain their sight for the first time, they regained their sight. How beautiful it is that the men were purified by this time of suffering and darkness, which enabled them to follow the Lord the moment they recognized Him.
As we move through Lent, may we steadfastly beg the Lord to heal us of our hardened hearts. Like the blind men, may we pray with loving trust and perseverance. And on Easter, may we regain our sight, while never ceasing to follow Him.
Notes:
[1] Matthew 20:29-34 NRSV-CE
[2] Saint John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew, Matthew 20:29-34, 386-388.
This piece is a part of a syndicated series in collaboration with Duke Crux for Lent 2021. Read more at https://dukecrux.org/lent-2021/
March 30, 2022 | By Michael Kielstra H’22
I first heard the story of the widow’s oil in Sunday school. Found in 2 Kings 4:1-7, it’s an astounding, heartwarming story of divine grace: a widow, utterly helpless and heavily indebted, appeals to Elisha and is miraculously given enough oil to pay off her creditors. What Sunday school teachers tend to gloss over, however, is the depth not only of the widow’s hopelessness but also of the cruelty of her creditors and of the society in which she lives.