Daily Readings - Mon Nov 19 2018
Revelation
1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,2who testifies to everything he saw--that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.3Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.4John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits
1"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.5Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
Luke
35As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.36When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.37They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."38He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"39Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"40Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him,41"What do you want me to do for you?Lord, I want to see," he replied.42Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you."43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, perseverance, and the call to remain steadfast in our relationship with God. In the first reading from Revelation, John addresses the Church of Ephesus, commending their endurance and discernment but also challenging them to reclaim the love and zeal they once had for God. This passage reminds us that even in the midst of trials and challenges, our faith must remain vibrant and rooted in love. The Gospel from Luke tells the story of a blind man who, despite being rebuked by the crowd, cries out to Jesus with persistence and faith. His plea for mercy is heard, and he is healed, both physically and spiritually, as he comes to see the truth of God’s love.
These readings are connected by the theme of spiritual sight and the importance of maintaining a living, active faith. The Church in Ephesus is warned not to lose their first love, while the blind man in Luke gains both physical and spiritual sight through his unwavering trust in Jesus. Both passages call us to examine our own relationship with God—are we allowing our faith to grow lukewarm, or are we seeking to deepen our connection with Him? The blind man’s persistence in the face of opposition reminds us that true faith is not passive but bold and insistent, trusting in God’s power to transform our lives.
In our daily lives, we can apply these lessons by reflecting on our own spiritual state. Are there areas where our love for God has grown cold? Do we, like the blind man, have the courage to cry out for healing and grace, even when others discourage us? Let us remember that faith is not about feeling but about trusting in God’s promises. As we navigate life’s challenges, may we remain steadfast in our devotion, seeking to renew our first love for God and to walk in the light of His truth. Through persistent prayer and a willingness to repent, we can regain our spiritual sight and follow Jesus with renewed passion and joy.