HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

Homily for Monday 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5a; Luke 18:35-43.

We begin our First Reading from the Book of Revelation. The Book reveals to us realities which are not accessible to man either by nature or experience or reflection but can only come to his knowledge by way of Revelation.

St. John warns at the end of the First Reading: "Remember then from what you have fallen, repent and do the works you did at first" (Rev.2:5). It is not enough to begin our journey of faith with enthusiasm. We must endure in love till the very end of our life. 

Let it not be said of us that we have abandoned the love we have for God and neighbour at first. It is possible to slip gradually without realizing it. It is necessary to return back to the first days when we were fervent in our Christian faith.

The blind man healed by Jesus in today's Gospel addressed Jesus as the "Son of David" (Luke 18:38). Anyone who understands the Old Testament tradition on the "anointed one" or the Messiah would understand how this blind man understood the identity of Jesus. While the title 'Son of David" may appear ordinary, it speaks about the spiritual insight of the blind man who understand what many others could not. He did not have physical sight but he had spiritual sight. He had faith which brought back his sight. With the restoration of his sight he began to live life to the fullest.

The story of the blind man invites us to recognize the moment of grace, hold on to it and not let it pass us by like the blind man in today's Gospel. May God open our eyes of faith to see Him at work in our world through Christ our Lord. Amen.