Daily Readings - Mon Nov 18 2024
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 encounter powerful messages about faith, perseverance, and the call to remain steadfast in our relationship with God. The first reading from Revelation commends the Church of Ephesus for their endurance and discernment in testing false apostles, yet it also issues a solemn warning: they have abandoned the love they once had. This serves as a reminder to us all to reflect on our own spiritual journey and ensure that our love for God remains vibrant and central in our lives. The Gospel from Luke presents the story of a blind man who, despite being rebuked by the crowd, persists in crying out to Jesus for mercy. His unwavering faith leads to his healing, and he follows Jesus, glorifying God.
The context of these readings is rooted in the early Christian experience. Revelation was written to encourage Churches facing persecution and challenges, urging them to remain faithful. Similarly, the Gospel story highlights Jesus’ compassion and the transformative power of faith. Both readings emphasize the importance of perseverance and authentic devotion. The blind man’s persistence in the face of rejection mirrors the challenges faced by the early Christians, and both stories remind us that our faith must be lived out with courage and fidelity.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are invited to examine our own relationship with God. Have we, like the Ephesians, allowed our initial fervor to wane? Do we, like the blind man, trust in God’s mercy and power even when faced with obstacles? These questions call us to repentance and renewal. Let us strive to rekindle our first love for God and to live our faith with the same persistence and hope shown by the blind man. May we, like him, experience the healing power of Jesus and follow Him with gratitude and praise.