February 19, 2023 - Quinquagesima Sermon

Introit: Ps. 31:1, 5, 9, 16; antiphon: Ps. 31:2b-3
Gradual: Ps. 77:14-15
Old Testament: 1 Sam. 16:1-13
      or Is. 35:3-7
Psalm 89:18-29 (antiphon: 20)
      or Psalm 146 (antiphon: v. 2)
Epistle: 1 Cor. 13:1-13
Tract: Ps. 100:1-3
Gospel: Luke 18:31-43

Faith Alone
The seeing are blind, while the one who is blind can see (Luke 18:31-43). Jesus tells the twelve that He is going up to Jerusalem to suffer and die and rise again, but they cannot understand or grasp what He is saying. The meaning of His words is hidden from their sight. However, as Jesus makes His way up to Jerusalem, a blind man calls out to Him for mercy. This blind man sees that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior, for he calls Him "Son of David." Indeed, Jesus is the Lord's anointed, the keeper of sheep (1 Sam. 16:1-13) who goes to lay down His life for the sheep. He is the incarnate love of the Father who suffers long and is kind, who is not puffed up, who never fails us (1 Cor. 13:1-13). Jesus opens the eyes of the blind (Is. 35:3-7) to see Him not according to outward appearances of lowliness, but according to His heart of mercy and compassion. Those who behold Him thus by faith follow Him to the cross through death into life.