Gospel Thought for Today
15th November: Memorial of Saint Albert the Great, bishop and doctor of the Church
Gospel: Luke 18:35-43
As Jesus approached Jericho
a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging,
and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening.
They told him,
“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”
The people walking in front rebuked him,
telling him to be silent,
but he kept calling out all the more,
“Son of David, have pity on me!”
Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him;
and when he came near, Jesus asked him,
“What do you want me to do for you?”
He replied, “Lord, please let me see.”
Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”
He immediately received his sight
and followed him, giving glory to God.
When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection:
But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!”
St Albert the Great a native of Bavaria in Germany, was a member of the Order of Preacher where he distinguished himself as a scholar. When he led the house of studies in Cologne, Germany, he guided the young Thomas Aquinas in studying Aristotle. For two years, he served as bishop of Regensburg. Albert excelled in the fields of Science, Philosophy, and Theology. His sermons on Mary inspired popular devotions among the German-speaking peoples. He once said, “The greater and more persistent your confidence in God, the more abundant you will receive all that you ask.” Indeed, this was true in today’s Gospel. The blind man kept calling on Jesus despite the attempt of the crowd to silence him. His perseverance caught Jesus’ attention and our Lord healed him. The story did not end there though. He followed the Lord, and the people praised God for what they have witnessed. Let this new day remind us of God healing us, giving us another chance to follow Him and serve as an inspiration to those around us.
- What ailment would you like to present to Jesus for healing today?
- What helps (or prevents) you to follow Jesus?
- How can you inspire others to praise and serve the Lord?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Through the prayers and example of St Albert the Great, heal us of any ailments that prevent us from seeing You that we may serve You and enthuse others to do the same. Amen.
