November 17, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 18:35-43
Reflect on the Word //
“I’ve been polite in prayer. I feel like I’ve done my part and now it’s God’s turn,” she lamented.
“Keep making a commotion,” I said, partly in jest. “Jesus is on the way.” The young woman on the other side of the counter laughed, lightening the seriousness of the moment. I hoped she heard a reminder of the truth: Jesus was listening and working.
This young woman was enduring a mental battle, fighting voices of doubt and worthlessness that tried to silence her prayers. She felt like God wasn’t responding. She wanted a miracle.
I can’t help but see similarities between her doubts and longing for a miracle with the blind man who called out to Jesus in today’s Gospel.
I imagine the blind man’s calls to Jesus caused a commotion. Realizing Who was approaching, he cried out for Jesus’ pity. Undeterred by those who tried to silence him, he kept calling to Jesus.
Jesus heard him, and responded: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41) As God, Jesus already knew the man’s need and desire.
Still He asked, desiring the man’s heart to open wide.
“Let me see” (Luke 18:41). The blind man could have asked for money or a meal. Instead, he asked for a life-changing miracle: the gift of sight.
When I shared the (somewhat silly) idea to keep making a commotion, I hoped to encourage the young woman to boldly continue seeking a miracle, like the blind man did. When I told her Jesus is on the way, I hoped to deepen her faith that He hears and will answer in His time.
I want to encourage you, too, sister. While doubts may try to keep us in the dark and to silence us, doubt can’t stop Jesus. The gift of faith we’ve been given in Baptism will strengthen us to keep calling to Him in prayer. Jesus has a plan to meet our needs in big, beautiful ways as He did for the blind man.
Relate to the Lord // Where do you need to make a commotion in prayer? Don’t give up. Tell Him what you desire.
