Daily Readings - Mon Nov 15 2021
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 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.