Luke 18:35-43

As Jesus approached Jericho

a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging,

and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening.

They told him,

“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”

The people walking in front rebuked him,

telling him to be silent,

but he kept calling out all the more,

“Son of David, have pity on me!”

Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him;

and when he came near, Jesus asked him,

“What do you want me to do for you?”

He replied, “Lord, please let me see.”

Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”

He immediately received his sight

and followed him, giving glory to God.

When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

Opening Prayer: Lord God, as you pass by before me, take pity on me. Let me see with the spiritual eyes of faith. Cure the blindness caused by sin. Fill me with your Spirit so that I may praise you, thank you, and give you glory.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Your Faith has Saved You: The Gospel of Luke records two stories in Jericho, one involving a poor man (Luke 18:35-43) and another involving a rich man (Luke 19:1-10). There are many parallels between the two stories, and they mutually illuminate each other. In both stories, Jesus, like God in the Old Testament, is said to be “passing by.” The poor man was blind and was begging for alms as Jesus passed by. The rich man was a chief tax collector and climbed a sycamore tree as Jesus passed by. Both stories are about salvation. Both stories show that Jesus seeks out what was lost. In the first story, faith saves the poor man. He begs the Son of David for mercy, and he receives not only physical sight but also the spiritual vision of faith. Once he was cured, he followed Jesus on the way to Jerusalem. In the second story, which we will hear tomorrow, repentance, faith, and works of charity lead the rich man to salvation.

2. The Prophetic Message of Revelation: Our First Reading is taken from the Book of Revelation. The Book calls itself a “prophecy.” It is a prophecy in at least three ways. In its original context, it is a prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Many of the images of armies, war, and destruction refer to the Jewish War (66-70 A.D.) and the long siege of Jerusalem by the Romans. Second, the Book of Revelation is a prophecy that foretells the battle between good and evil that will unfold throughout human history. Third, it ultimately is a prophecy about the events that will happen near the end of time. In the passage selected as today’s First Reading, John is directed by Jesus, the Son of Man, to write seven letters to seven Churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Each letter evaluates the condition of the Church, announces a punishment for infidelity, and offers a blessing for victory through perseverance. 

3. The Letter to the Church in Ephesus: The first letter, which we read today, is directed to the Church in Ephesus. The Ephesians are praised for their endurance and work and for discerning between true Apostles and false imposters. At the same time, Jesus points out that the Ephesians have lost the fervor of their original love. They are invited by Jesus to repent and do the works they did at first. If they do not repent, Jesus will remove the Church, symbolized by the golden lampstand, from Ephesus. However, if the members of the Church are victorious over temptation and persevere through the tribulation, they will be blessed with eternal life, symbolized by eating from the Tree of Life. 

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, give me to eat from the fruit of the Tree of Life, the Eucharist, your own Body and Blood. Keep me in your grace, fill me with your Spirit, so that I may inherit eternal life with you.

Living the Word of God: The blind man in today’s Gospel persevered through many decades of trial. And when he was shown mercy, he glorified God, followed Jesus, and led others to praise God. Revelation offers us the promise and blessing of eternal life to those who persevere through trial, overcome temptation, and renew their love for God. What do I need to do to rekindle my first love for God and persevere in that love with God’s grace?