Daily Readings - Mon Nov 18 2019
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
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.