Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 14, 2022
Psalm 1
1Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.2But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.3He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.4Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.6For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Gospel: Luke 18.35-43
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 Gospel, we encounter a blind man sitting by the roadside near Jericho, begging for help. When he hears the crowd passing by, he learns that Jesus of Nazareth is among them. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, the blind man persists in crying out to Jesus, addressing Him as the “Son of David” and pleading for pity. Jesus stops, calls the man to Him, and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” The man’s heartfelt response is, “Lord, that I may see.” Jesus, moved by his faith, heals him, and the man immediately regains his sight. Filled with joy and gratitude, he follows Jesus, glorifying God, and the crowd, witnessing this miracle, praises God as well.
This passage takes place as Jesus is journeying toward Jerusalem, where His passion and resurrection await. The blind man represents those on the margins of society, often overlooked or ignored. His persistence in the face of discouragement from the crowd reflects the kind of faith and determination that Jesus commends. The title “Son of David” is significant, as it acknowledges Jesus’ messianic identity and His power to heal. The crowd’s initial rebuke of the blind man highlights the societal barriers that often prevent people from encountering God, but the man’s refusal to be silenced demonstrates the importance of perseverance in prayer and trust in God’s mercy.
This story invites us to reflect on our own spiritual blindness and the ways we may be hindered from fully seeing and experiencing God’s presence in our lives. Like the blind man, we are called to cry out to Jesus with faith, even when others doubt or discourage us. The healing Jesus offers is not just physical but spiritual; it is an invitation to see the world and ourselves in a new light, through the lens of faith and gratitude. Let us ask ourselves: What are the areas in our lives where we need healing? What are the obstacles that prevent us from seeing God’s love and providence? May we, like the blind man, trust in Jesus’ power to restore our vision and lead us to a life of praise and witness.