Faith and mercy

"As Jesus moved on from there, two blind men came after him crying out, 'Son of David, have pity on us!'"

Matthew 9:27
 

I guess I always feel a little uncomfortable with this passage because, in all the years of working with blind and visually impaired people, I know the last thing they want is pity.  I tend to drift toward asking for mercy instead of pity, which the translation used in the UK (thus on Pray-As-You-Go) says, "Have mercy on us." Ultimately, the blind men want Jesus to notice them, have compassion on them and fix them.  Don't we all.  Jesus points it right back at them in the next verse when he asks, "Do you believe that I can do this?" Yes, they tell him, confidently. Then, he tells them, it was their faith that has given them sight.  Where are we on our journey? I feel like I'm asking for mercy, but also asking for the faith that goes with it.  I'm way back there, I'm afraid.  Is my faith big enough to heal at this point?  Dear Jesus, please open my eyes to all I need to see this Friday! I thank you for the blessings of this day, which I know will be the people I meet, the work I hope to do and the end of the week I celebrate. I ask for faith in your mercy, your compassion and your hand over my mouth if I'm about to say something stupid.  Amen! Blessings to all on our Advent weekend! Love, heidi