In the Gospel reading for today, as Jesus is nearing Jericho, a blind man sitting along side the road calls out, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.”   Jesus asks him what he wants from him, and the blind man begs that he may be given his sight.   Jesus says to him, “Receive your sight.  Your faith has made you well.”    Is our faith strong enough for Jesus to be able to say that  of us?

The Epistle reading for today consists of only three verses, and begins with the phrase, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the foremost of sinners.”  We know these words well, we repeat them before receiving Holy Communion.

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.