27 January 2014
Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s first reading, David is anointed king of Judah, beginning a 30 year reign which would see him unite Israel to his rule from Jerusalem. But Jerusalem was not simply delivered into his hands. A strong Jebusite force stood in the way of taking control of Zion, a force so strong that they told David “even the blind and the lame will drive you away.” But we know the story: Jerusalem became the City of David.
With this story in mind, we can look forward to the New Testament with fuller vision. In the synoptic gospels, Jesus’ approach to Jerusalem is momentarily delayed when a blind man (Bartimaeus in Mark; two blind men in Matthew) cry out to Jesus and say “Son of David, have mercy on me.” Far from rejecting him, the blind and lame welcome Jesus’ approach to the city of David. In fact, they are the ones more than any other who understand the mission and identity of this man who journeys past them, a man who has set his face toward Jerusalem.