Daily Readings - Mon Nov 17 2025
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
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.