Gospel (Lk 18,35-43) - As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting along the road begging. Hearing people passing by, he asked what was happening. They announced to him: «Jesus of Nazareth is passing by!». Then he cried out, saying, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!" Those who were walking ahead rebuked him to keep quiet; but he shouted even louder: "Son of David, have mercy on me!". Jesus then stopped and ordered them to bring him to him. When he was close, he asked him: «What do you want me to do for you?». He replied: «Lord, let me see again!». And Jesus said to him: «Have your sight again! Your faith saved you." Immediately he saw us again and began to follow him glorifying God. And all the people, seeing, gave praise to God.

The commentary on the Gospel by Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia

Jesus is about to reach the end of his journey. He is now close to Jericho, the last city he encounters before reaching Jerusalem. And the evangelist seems to want to anticipate the entry into Jerusalem. At the gates of the city there is a blind man asking for alms (his name, Bartimaeus, is indicated in the Gospel of Mark). Hearing a lot of noise, he asks what is happening. They "announce" him that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. That man needs someone to talk to him about Jesus: he alone cannot see. In reality, we all need someone to tell us about Jesus because we, naturally focused on ourselves and our things, are blind. Not only because we struggle to lift our eyes from ourselves, but in this case, without the Church telling us about Jesus we cannot see him. Well, that blind man, listening to the "announcement" of Jesus' closeness, understands that he is approaching the one who can save him, like no one else could. How many people had he heard pass by him, perhaps even leave an offering, and then continue on their way! That day he understood that Jesus would not pass by and that he could heal him. It is in this direct encounter between us and Jesus that healing takes place. Jesus, as if to recognize his initiative, says to that blind man: «Have your sight again! Your faith saved you." The man begins to see and first - what grace he has had! – sees Jesus, that face full of tenderness and love. It is a meeting that touches his heart. He also sees with the eyes of the heart: in fact he begins to follow him. He is not left alone to enjoy his recovery. No, he understands that he must participate in the healing of the world so that men see the mercy of God and convert to him. This blind man becomes the image of the believer, of the one who recognizes his own blindness, prays to the Lord with faith and allows himself to be healed until he follows the master. He is an example for all of us.