Daily Readings - Mon Nov 17 2025
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
The first reading from 1 Maccabees paints a vivid picture of a time of great trial for the Jewish people. It describes how the Temple in Jerusalem was desecrated by King Antiochus IV, who erected a statue of Zeus in the holy place, an act of profound sacrilege. This event, known as the "abomination of desolation," was a direct attack on the Jewish faith and way of life. Many Jews were forced to abandon their traditions, and those who remained faithful suffered greatly. This reading reminds us of the enduring struggle between faith and oppression, and how even in the darkest moments, God remains with His people.
The Gospel reading from Luke tells the story of a blind man who cries out to Jesus for healing as He passes through Jericho. Despite being rebuked by the crowd, the man persists in his plea, and Jesus, moved by his faith, restores his sight. This miracle is not just a physical healing but a spiritual one as well. The blind man’s unwavering faith and refusal to be silenced serve as a powerful example of trust in God’s providence. Just as the blind man’s persistence led to his healing, our own perseverance in prayer and faith can lead to spiritual renewal and deeper union with God.
Both readings invite us to reflect on the nature of faith and perseverance. In the face of oppression and suffering, the Jewish people in 1 Maccabees clung to their faith, even when it meant facing severe consequences. Similarly, the blind man in the Gospel refused to be deterred by those who dismissed his plea. These stories challenge us to remain steadfast in our own faith, even when we encounter obstacles or setbacks. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s plan for us, even when the path is unclear? Do we have the courage to stand firm in our beliefs, even when the world around us seems hostile? May we draw strength from these examples, knowing that God is always near, ready to heal and restore us.