In today’s first reading, the people of Israel despite the fierce persecution and wrath of King Antiochus, gallantly resolved not to eat unclean food.  They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food. The Israelites knew what they wanted and maintained consistency in their religious belief. They did not compromise their faith on the altar of easy life. A similar scenario is the case in the gospel. The blind man who encountered Jesus was at the roadside begging and heard about Jesus passing his way. When he was asked by Jesus what he wanted from him, he replied, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” Even when the people rebuked him and tried to silence him, he refused to be suppressed or intimidated. It is good to know what we want – that which is a priority for us. For the Jews, their gift of faith was a priority. For the blind man, his sight was non-negotiable. For us, what do we live for? What can we die for? Our faith is a cherished gift from God. Let us not sacrifice it for anything.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to really know what I want in life and that which should be my priority. Amen