Daily Readings - Mon Nov 16 2020
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
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, love, and spiritual perseverance. The first reading from Revelation addresses the Church of Ephesus, commending their endurance and discernment but urging them to rekindle their initial fervor for God. This serves as a reminder to the early Church, and to us, to maintain our spiritual passion amidst challenges. The Gospel from Luke presents a blind man whose persistent faith leads to his healing by Jesus, emphasizing the transformative power of unwavering belief.
Both readings highlight the importance of maintaining our spiritual roots. The Ephesians, despite their endurance, had lost their first love, a lesson for us to regularly assess our spiritual state. Similarly, the blind man's persistence despite opposition teaches us that true faith leads to spiritual sight. These stories encourage us to hold fast to our faith and love, ensuring they remain vibrant in our lives.
As we reflect on these passages, let us consider our own spiritual journeys. Have we, like the Ephesians, allowed our initial fervor to wane? Let us strive to rekindle our love for God and maintain steadfast faith, just as the blind man did. In doing so, we may experience spiritual renewal and draw closer to God. Let us remember that faith and love are not static but dynamic, requiring nurture and attention to flourish.