The healing of the two blind men in Matthew‘s gospel comes amid a recounting of many miracles Jesus performed after preaching on a mountainside. That preaching – including the well-known Sermon on the Mount – had attracted a following and undoubtedly his reputation was growing exponentially.
Since the two blind men could not see him approaching, they must have heard the commotion and the crowd, and they immediately joined in and began calling out to Jesus.
What did they know about him? Had they heard him speak? Had they been near one of the other miracles? Had they learned of him through friends and neighbors?
When I reached for my Bible to read this passage in its context, an index card fell out that I must have written on a retreat or for a class. It listed, “My standards of integrity: compassionate; concerned about others; friendly; principled; faith-filled; dedicated; and generous.”
I have no idea when I wrote that, but I felt the Lord wanted me to see that index card right now. I reflected that I still view integrity that way, and I realized those are the very attributes Jesus embodies, and that likely drew the blind men and the crowds to him.
Once the two men approached Jesus, he asked them, “Do you believe that I can do this?”
When they answered affirmatively, he touched their eyes, said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith,” and their blindness was gone. But why was it necessary for Jesus to ask that question and for them to answer?
I believe it’s because it’s good, but not enough, to recognize that Jesus embodies integrity. It’s not enough to follow him. It’s not enough to have faith in him. Jesus calls us to step out in faith, to act on our faith. That is what allows his boundless grace and mercy to truly flow into our lives and world.
Cindy Murphy McMahon
I am retired after 17 years with Creighton’s University Communications and Marketing office, most recently as associate director of communications. I graduated in journalism from Creighton in the mid-’70s, and the skills I first learned there have provided a fulfilling career, including newspaper reporting, photography and editing; teaching; public relations and marketing; and freelance writing and editing.
A native of Chicago, I met my husband, Tom McMahon, in Omaha and we have been here for most of our married life. We have been blessed with three sons and seven grandchildren, and spending time with my family is my greatest joy.
I am grateful for the opportunity to explore my faith and the Scriptures by writing reflections for Creighton’s Online Ministries, and consider it a blessing and privilege. I enjoy hearing from, and learning from, people who read the reflections.
