“Jesus desires that, along with the restoration of people’s health, their personal connection with God—the Source of life and all beneficial gifts—also be renewed,” said Patriarch Daniel on Sunday, referencing the Gospel account of the healing of the blind man of Jericho.
“That is why Jesus asks the blind man, What do you want me to do for you? rather than What do you want me to give you? Jesus does not merely bestow external material gifts but transforms a person’s state of life. He raises individuals from their dire condition to a new, blessed life,” explained the Patriarch.
Faith and Persistent Prayer
“This healing demonstrates that the Lord Jesus Christ is not indifferent to the suffering of the sick. He listens, especially to the requests and prayers of the sick that stem from strong faith and persistent supplication,” Patriarch Daniel emphasized.
“Often, before healing the sick, Jesus seeks to ascertain the depth of their faith. Why? So that they may cooperate with Him in their healing and actively participate in receiving the gift of full health.”
The cry of the blind man from Jericho, the Patriarch noted, could only have come from deep faith:
“The blind man sensed in his soul that Jesus of Nazareth was his only chance for healing. He understood that this Jesus—who had healed so many others—could help him change his own unhappy life.”
“For this reason, the blind man didn’t ask, Who is Jesus? Instead, he immediately began to cry out, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!“
Asking for What Only Jesus Can Give
“In the hearing of all, the blind man asked for something that no other human could grant—only Jesus of Nazareth could: the restoration of his sight,” highlighted Patriarch Daniel.
“His voice was so loud that Jesus Himself heard it, even amidst a tumultuous crowd. At Jesus’ command, some people brought the blind man from the roadside to the centre of the path, near Jesus. In doing so, Jesus wanted everyone present to understand that the blind man was not asking for money or food but for healing.”
“Jesus knew that once healed, the blind man would follow Him on the same path of proclaiming God’s merciful love for humanity. From a beggar on the roadside, sustained by others’ pity, the blind man of Jericho—healed by Jesus—becomes a witness and missionary, glorifying God,” Patriarch Daniel explained.
Healing Brings New Life
“Jesus allowed the healed man to follow Him into the city of Jericho, so that the blind man could now see the city with his healthy eyes and so that the city’s inhabitants could witness his healing.”
“The Lord Jesus Christ desires that people live naturally—healthily and joyfully—in full communion with God and others,” the Patriarch continued.
“Jesus’ attitude toward the blind man was different from that of many around Him. Unlike others, He did not see illness as an unchangeable fate but as a condition to be healed, transforming suffering into joy, isolation into communion, and restoring human dignity when it has been diminished, disrespected, or humiliated.”
A Witness of Faith
“After being healed of physical blindness, the blind man of Jericho followed Jesus and glorified God. He became a teacher of faith, prayer, and gratitude.”
Patriarch Daniel concluded with a call to emulate the blind man’s faith:
“Let us also pray earnestly to the Lord Jesus Christ, as the blind man of Jericho did, with strong faith in times of suffering or trial, saying, Lord, have mercy on me!“
“By doing so, we will spiritually perceive Christ’s presence near us, hear His call to draw closer to Him and feel His healing grace. He will lead us on the path of salvation, empowering us to bear witness to God’s love for humanity.”
Patriarch Daniel participated in the Divine Liturgy on Sunday at the historical Chapel of St. George, located within the Patriarchal Residence.
Photo: Basilica.ro Files / Raluca Ene
