Daily Readings - Mon Nov 15 2021
Luke
35As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.36And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant.37They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."38And he cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"39And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"40And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him,41"What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me recover my sight."42And Jesus said to him, "Recover your sight; your faith has made you well."43And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, perseverance, and the struggle against oppression. The first reading from 1 Maccabees paints a vivid picture of a time of great trial for the Jewish people. The rise of Antiochus Epiphanes brought desecration of the Temple, the imposition of pagan practices, and widespread suffering. Yet amidst this darkness, the Maccabees emerged as defenders of their faith, refusing to compromise their traditions even in the face of overwhelming odds. Their story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to God’s covenant.
The Gospel reading from Luke offers a different kind of struggle, as a blind man on the roadside cries out to Jesus for mercy. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, the man persists, his voice growing louder with each rebuke. Jesus stops, heals him, and restores his sight. This miracle is not just a physical healing but a spiritual one, as the man’s faith is revealed to be the source of his salvation. His persistence in the face of discouragement reminds us that true faith is not passive but active, willing to overcome obstacles to reach out to God.
Both readings, though separated by centuries, speak to the same truth: faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, and it must be lived out with courage and perseverance. In the face of cultural pressures, personal struggles, or even outright persecution, we are called to remain steadfast in our commitment to God. Like the Maccabees, we must resist the forces that seek to erode our faith, and like the blind man, we must trust in God’s power to transform our lives. Let us ask ourselves: where are we being called to stand firm in our faith? How can we, like these examples, trust in God’s providence and allow our faith to shine through in the midst of challenges? May we, too, cry out with persistence, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us!” and may our faith lead us to see the world—and ourselves—with new eyes.