Daily Readings - Mon Nov 18 2019
Luke
35And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:36And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.37And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.38And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.39And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.40And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,41Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.42And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.43And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, perseverance, and the struggle between darkness and light. The first reading from 1 Maccabees describes a time of great trial for the Jewish people. The Temple in Jerusalem, the heart of their worship and identity, was desecrated by the pagan ruler Antiochus, who sought to erase their faith and impose his own idolatrous practices. Many Jews were persecuted for remaining faithful to the law of Moses, and even some among them abandoned their traditions to conform to the ways of the Gentiles. This passage reminds us of the enduring tension between fidelity to God and the pressures of a world that often rejects His truth.
The Gospel reading from Luke offers a stark contrast to this darkness. Jesus, on His way to Jericho, encounters a blind man who cries out for mercy. Despite being rebuked by the crowd, the man persists in his plea, addressing Jesus as the "Son of David," a title rich with messianic significance. Jesus stops, calls the man to Him, and restores his sight through a simple yet profound act of faith. This miracle is not just a physical healing but a spiritual one, as the man’s persistence in the face of rejection reflects the kind of faith that overcomes even the greatest obstacles. The crowd’s amazement and praise of God underscore the transformative power of encountering Christ.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God. Like the blind man, we often find ourselves in spiritual darkness, unable to see the path forward. Yet, Jesus calls us to cry out to Him with persistence and trust, even when others discourage us. The first reading reminds us that our faith will be tested, and we must remain steadfast, refusing to compromise our values or abandon the traditions that connect us to God. In a world that often pressures us to conform, we are called to be like the Maccabees, defending our faith even in the face of adversity. Let us ask ourselves: Do we have the courage to stand firm in our beliefs? Do we trust in God’s plan, even when the road ahead seems uncertain? May we, like the blind man, turn to Jesus with unwavering faith, knowing that He alone can restore our sight and lead us to true freedom.