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| “Christ Healing the Blind” by El Greco, 1570-75 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5
Commentary on Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5
The first part of this passage from Revelation (Revelation 1:1-4) makes it appear as if this were a normal letter to the Churches of Asia. Only the introduction and salutation reflect this form. The seven Churches being referred to are in the Roman Province of Asia which was western Turkey. The specific Churches being referred to are mentioned in Revelation 1:11: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Each one of these gets their own injunction, like the one to Ephesus which is included in this selection.
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 “lampstand” (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.
CCC: Rv 1:4 1403, 2854; Rv 2-3 401; Rv 2:5 1429
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
R. (Rev. 2:17) Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.
Commentary on Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Psalm 1 serves as a preface to the whole book of the psalms. The psalmist here exalts those who follow the Lord’s commands, and reflects upon the blessings they will receive. As in Romans 6:19ff, this selection emphasizes the contrast between the salvation of the just and the punishment of the wicked.
This wisdom psalm begins by extolling the virtue of those who follow the law. The focus is to look to God for guidance, and not to trust only in the counsel of men. Those who reject the law will be blown away like “chaff,” an image used in the Gospel as well (Matthew 3:12).
This portion of the psalm is later echoed in Isaiah 48:17-19, like an overlapped formula of covenant. Blessed is the man who “delights in the law day and night,” but “the way of the wicked vanishes.” It also 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.”
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Gospel: Luke 18:35-43
Commentary on Lk 18:35-43
This passage from St. Luke’s Gospel takes place as Jesus is returning to Jerusalem for the last time. The blind man, whom he cures, addresses him as “Son of David,” a clear reference to Christ’s role as Messiah. Understanding his faith, the Lord announces: “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” The message is that those who recognize Jesus as the Messiah are saved. As a further testament to the identity of Jesus as Messiah, we are told the witnesses to this healing event recognized the action as a work of God's mercy, not the work of a man: "...all the people gave praise to God."
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Reflection:
We are in the last week of our liturgical year, and our readings drive us toward our complete understanding of Jesus’ mission. Revealed in scripture, he reigns as Messiah on earth and Lord of Heaven. Even as the mystical reality of his divinity is pondered by St. John in the Book of Revelation (the Apocalypse), and the blind man who calls him “Son of David,” his ancient messianic title, we find practical advice that we must follow as a consequence of our faith and understanding.
Psalm 1 tells us that the one who follows God’s law is “blessed.” We pause for a moment to consider what it means to be “blessed,” and why we should aspire to achieve that state. First, we must avoid confusion. Being named “Blessed” in the Church, that is, having that title officially recognized, carries much greater weight since it means that the person so titled has been put forward as a Saint. That person, as a consequence of their special grace and heroic virtue, has been presumed by the whole Church to have achieved a special place of favor in the Kingdom of Heaven.
What we hope to consider in this short reflection is not that formal title, but rather a personal state that results from one’s diligence on the path toward God. Think for a moment of a person you believe to be very much focused on following God’s commandments, and living a life directed toward the greater glory of God. The person does not have to be perfect, but just very much concerned with both the faith and actions prescribed by tradition and scripture, seeking to please God in all things.
If we are lucky enough to know a person who has truly embarked upon such a path, we notice some things about that person that give us an indication of what a “blessed” life might be like. First, we notice a sense of peace about them. While they can be intense and seem driven, underlying that intensity is a peace that comes from complete reliance on God. When things do not go well, they seem to take it in stride; the word “unflappable” comes to mind.
The person who has an intense relationship with God, so necessary be “blessed,” is also in a state of subdued joy. Some have called this a spiritual high and it can be addictive. Those who have attained this state in any sustained way, that rapturous comfort of knowing absolutely that God is with you and in you, sharing your being, have done so, not because of a single event (although a single experience may have seemed to be a trigger), but rather because of a discipline of prayer and actions that are in harmony with the will of the Father. Once again, this does not mean the person is perfect (although some of the more spectacular examples of living this “blessed” life have seemed to be so), but have achieved that outward appearance of beatific calm that serves as an example of faith to inspire others.
It is this “blessed” life on earth and euphoric life in heaven we are invited to share. It is this kind of faith that cured the blind man on the road to Jericho, and inspired St. John to envision the Kingdom of God
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