Body and Spirit

As Jesus continued on his way, he was followed by huge crowds, drawn by his power and his message of love and grace. The two blind men recognized him spiritually as the Messiah and begged for his mercy, not for restoration of physical sight. Mercy is more than pity (feeling sorry for someone) or compassion (feeling sorry with someone), but involves relationship and action--love with hands and feet. In asking for Jesus' mercy, they were seeking more than physical healing, but also the chance to enter into a relationship with the one in whom they had faith to deliver them. I am blessed to have the freedom to pursue a relationship with Christ, and I must remember to be faithful in that by saying, "Yes, Lord," and submitting to his will--his desire for my wholeness of being. The account of the demon-possessed mute man is very terse with very few details, but it implies that people of faith brought him to Jesus for healing. Jesus first exorcised the demon, healing the man spiritually, giving him the gift of mercy, allowing his spirit to also be healed by this opportunity to have a relationship with the Messiah. When he spoke, the crowds were once again amazed that Jesus was fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah that the blind and the mute would be healed, and the Pharisees continued to be angry and afraid of Jesus' power, attributing it to the power of Satan. However, the Holy Spirit is more powerful and always present in that wonderful relationship that brings wholeness to body and spirit. Thank you, Lord, for your mercy, and help me to respond in kind to others.