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.
- Matthew 20:29-34
If you are ordered to be quiet, do not comply. The chances are excellent that what you are saying needs to be heard. We are too often hobbled by the desire to justify what is right and what is good and what will help others. I love Jesus! I love that He takes one look at that weakness in us and He shows us how utterly ridiculous and how against God it really is. Stand up. Speak up. In small ways and in big ways and in all ways. Christ Jesus only asks of us, “What do you want me to do for you?” and we need only ask to be heard and received. Let us always, always, always be moved with the same compassion Christ exhibits and never be quieted by the crowd.
Musical Reflection - Get Up, Stand Up! - Bob Marley
