Saint John Damascene, Priest and Doctor

17In not more than a little while and a brief time, Lebanon will be turned into a fruitful field, and a fruitful field will be considered to be a forest. 18And in that day, the deaf will hear the words of a book, and out of darkness and obscurity the eyes of the blind will see. 19And the meek will increase their rejoicing in the Lord, and the poor among men will exult in the Holy One of Israel. 20For the one who was prevailing has failed, the one who was mocking has been consumed, and all those who were standing guard over iniquity have been cut down. 21For they caused men to sin by a word, and they supplanted him who argued against them at the gates, and they turned away from justice in vain. 22Because of this, thus says the Lord, he who has redeemed Abraham, to the house of Jacob: From now on, Jacob will not be confounded; from now on his countenance will not blush with shame. 23Instead, when he sees his children, they will be the work of my hands in his midst, sanctifying my name, and they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and they will preach the God of Israel. 24And those who had gone astray in spirit will know understanding, and those who had murmured will learn the law.

1A Psalm of David, before he was sealed. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

…

4One thing I have asked of the Lord, this I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, so that I may behold the delight of the Lord, and may visit his temple.

…

13I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

14Wait for the Lord, act manfully; and let your heart be strengthened, and remain with the Lord.

27And as Jesus passed from there, two blind men followed him, crying out and saying, “Take pity on us, Son of David.” 28And when he had arrived at the house, the blind men approached him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you trust that I am able to do this for you?” They say to him, “Certainly, Lord.” 29Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith, so let it be done for you.” 30And their eyes were opened. And Jesus warned them, saying, “See to it that no one knows of this.” 31But going out, they spread the news of it to all that land.