Monday of the Thirty third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1 Rev 1:1-4; 2:1-5
Responsorial Psalm Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
R. Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.
Gospel Lk 18:35-43
Commentary:
Revelation:
The first part of this passage from Revelations (Rev 1:1-4) appears as if this were a normal letter to the Churches of Asia. Only the introduction and salutation reflect this form. The seven[1] Churches being referred to are in the Roman Province of Asia which was western Turkey and the specific Churches being referred to are mentioned in Rev 1:11 - Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Each one of these gets their own injunction like the one we hear next.
Ephesus is given praise and criticism along with a warning that, if they do not revert to their previous charismatic love for one another, their “Lamp-stand” (the symbol of the presence of Christ) will be removed. Important in the commendation to the Ephesians is their steadfastness and their ability to reject false apostles.
Psalm:
The Psalm takes up the theme of following right paths and staying true to the teachings of God; “Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night.”
Luke
In Luke we hear Jesus encounter the blind man. The response is instructive as Jesus does not take credit for restoring his sight but rather says; “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He does so because the blind man identified him by title; “Son of David” – referring to him as the Messiah.
Reflection:
Once again we have two “take aways” from our scripture today. The first is a reminder from St. John whose vision praises the Church of Ephesus for its fidelity to the teachings of Christ and testing the purported teachings of supposed “apostles”. One might ask; “What bearing does that message have to me today?” The answer is clear. The One Church over the millennia has gone through many changes and divisions. As a consequence, the “Christian” message has many different flavors. We must constantly test what is purported to be “the truth” in accord to the wishes of God. So many times, sadly, it is a lie.
How do we test that word? We have two weapons at our disposal. First we have the Teaching Magesterium of the Church. If we are not certain where something is coming from, we can check first, the Catechism of the Catholic Church. If we do not find specific guidance there; ask a member of the Clergy who has access and training in the Code of Canon Law. Be careful if you simply consult Holy Scripture. While it is a source the divine presence, it can also be misleading if a passage is taken out of context. How many atrocities have been committed quoting scripture as their justification?
The second message we can take from scripture today is the message of the power of faith. The blind man in the Gospel called out to Jesus, Son of David – the Messiah, and his prayer was answered, as the Lord said, through his faith. That same power exists in us if we can just tap into it. When we are faced with a trial in our lives, the first thing we should do is ask for the Lord to help. With his guidance, we can accomplish all things that are good to the greater glory of God.
Pax
Readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1 Rev 1:1-4; 2:1-5
Responsorial Psalm Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
R. Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.
Gospel Lk 18:35-43
Commentary:
Revelation:
The first part of this passage from Revelations (Rev 1:1-4) appears as if this were a normal letter to the Churches of Asia. Only the introduction and salutation reflect this form. The seven[1] Churches being referred to are in the Roman Province of Asia which was western Turkey and the specific Churches being referred to are mentioned in Rev 1:11 - Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Each one of these gets their own injunction like the one we hear next.
Ephesus is given praise and criticism along with a warning that, if they do not revert to their previous charismatic love for one another, their “Lamp-stand” (the symbol of the presence of Christ) will be removed. Important in the commendation to the Ephesians is their steadfastness and their ability to reject false apostles.
Psalm:
The Psalm takes up the theme of following right paths and staying true to the teachings of God; “Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night.”
Luke
In Luke we hear Jesus encounter the blind man. The response is instructive as Jesus does not take credit for restoring his sight but rather says; “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He does so because the blind man identified him by title; “Son of David” – referring to him as the Messiah.
Reflection:
Once again we have two “take aways” from our scripture today. The first is a reminder from St. John whose vision praises the Church of Ephesus for its fidelity to the teachings of Christ and testing the purported teachings of supposed “apostles”. One might ask; “What bearing does that message have to me today?” The answer is clear. The One Church over the millennia has gone through many changes and divisions. As a consequence, the “Christian” message has many different flavors. We must constantly test what is purported to be “the truth” in accord to the wishes of God. So many times, sadly, it is a lie.
How do we test that word? We have two weapons at our disposal. First we have the Teaching Magesterium of the Church. If we are not certain where something is coming from, we can check first, the Catechism of the Catholic Church. If we do not find specific guidance there; ask a member of the Clergy who has access and training in the Code of Canon Law. Be careful if you simply consult Holy Scripture. While it is a source the divine presence, it can also be misleading if a passage is taken out of context. How many atrocities have been committed quoting scripture as their justification?
The second message we can take from scripture today is the message of the power of faith. The blind man in the Gospel called out to Jesus, Son of David – the Messiah, and his prayer was answered, as the Lord said, through his faith. That same power exists in us if we can just tap into it. When we are faced with a trial in our lives, the first thing we should do is ask for the Lord to help. With his guidance, we can accomplish all things that are good to the greater glory of God.
Pax
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