1st week of Advent, Friday – 03rd December 2021 — Gospel: Mt 9,27-31
Dawn of the Golden age
Saint Francis Xavier, an apostle mad with Saint Paul’s madness, is a marvelous example of a great missionary, visionary and a prophet. The zeal he displayed, the novel methods he used, the wonderful miracles he performed, and the great number of souls he brought to the light of true faith, entitle him to this distinction. In a short span of ten years (1542-1552), he visited so many countries in South Asian region (India, Sri Lanka, Malacca and the Maluku Islands, Japan and China), traversed so many seas, preached the Gospel to so many nations, and converted so many peoples. He stands unique in his apostolic zeal since the time of the Apostles.
The story of the two blind men places emphasis on their initiative and faith. Their loud call to Jesus and their following him right into a house demonstrate their persistent faith. However, Jesus, who emphasized the centrality of mercy in his mission (Mt 9,9-13), is now asked to show mercy to these blind men. In addressing him as “Son of David,” they make their appeal explicitly that Jesus, the Davidic Messiah-king, should hear the cries of the poor among his own people Israel (Ps 72,12-13). Matthew, in highlighting this title for Jesus, indicates not only Jesus’ Jewish and Davidic ties as Messiah (1,1-17.20; 2,1-6), but also his special desire to heal the poor or marginalized. While these blind men recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah, the sighted people are unable to do so. Matthew assumes that his readers will remember Is 35,5 that in the golden age to come the eyes of the blind will be opened. By requesting healing, the blind men are giving voice to the faith that in Jesus’ presence the golden age has dawned already.
