When we observe someone do something truly great, remarkable, wonderful-- say, a surgeon complete an exceptionally-difficult operation, or an author write a deep novel, or an artist paint a moving picture, or a political leader negotiate peace in a deeply-troubled situation-- our reaction is to praise that person. How brilliant, insightful, talented, diligent, etc. they are, we say. It might be worth reflecting on the fact that in today's Gospel (Lk 18: 35- 43), that isn't what happens. There is a blind man who calls out to Jesus, saying: "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." The blind man is asking for something from Jesus, and Jesus responds in kind, saying: "What do you want me to do for you." The answer from the blind man is: "Lord, please let me see." Obviously that is a request directed at Jesus. Jesus' response is: "Have sight; your faith has saved you." At that point, the blind man "received his sight." Given the nature of the dialogue, wouldn't you expect that the blind man, and the crowd observing all of this, would give thanks to Jesus? He is the one to whom the request for sight was directed, and whose actions apparently resulted in the blind man's receiving his sight. Jesus is the miracle worker, right? Given that, isn't it interesting that the blind man, and the crowd, give glory and praise to God-- not to Jesus? They somehow recognize, intuitively it appears, that all of this is the working of the Divine, not the action of a human being. Sure, these days we think about Jesus in Trinitarian terms and can blend together the notions of "God" and "Jesus." But back when Jesus walked toward Jerico and met the blind man, no one thought that way. Everyone viewed Jesus as simply a human being. Nevertheless, the people around Jesus seemed to know where His power came from, and so did Jesus. We might remember that as well. Sure, it is good to honor folks who have done great things, but it is even better to remind ourselves who is the source of those great things, and to use the occasion of those things as a time to give praise and glory to God. That's true of ourselves as well, should we have the good fortune to do something truly well. Once in a while when I'm watching football, I see a player, like a wide receiver, make an outstanding play and score a touchdown, and immediately raise a hand to point to heaven. I have to fight the urge to dismiss the gesture as fake or showy. I should rather believe that the player who does that is doing just what the crowd and the blind man do in today's Gospel-- giving praise and glory to God for some wonderful activity or talent that comes from God. What a great antidote to the self-glorification and ego excesses to which we humans are so susceptible!