Daily Readings - Mon Nov 15 2021
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 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.