First reading Apocalypse 1:1-4,2:1-5
Think what you were before you fell, and repent
This is the revelation given by God to Jesus Christ so that he could tell his servants about the things which are now to take place very soon; he sent his angel to make it known to his servant John, and John has written down everything he saw and swears it is the word of God guaranteed by Jesus Christ. Happy the man who reads this prophecy, and happy those who listen to him, if they treasure all that it says, because the Time is close.
From John, to the seven churches of Asia: grace and peace to you from him who is, who was, and who is to come, from the seven spirits in his presence before his throne.
I heard the Lord saying to me: ‘Write to the angel of the church in Ephesus and say, “Here is the message of the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who lives surrounded by the seven golden lamp-stands: I know all about you: how hard you work and how much you put up with. I know you cannot stand wicked men, and how you tested the impostors who called themselves apostles and proved they were liars. Know, too, that you have patience, and have suffered for my name without growing tired. Nevertheless, I have this complaint to make; you have less love now than you used to. Think where you were before you fell; repent, and do as you used to at first.”’
Responsorial Psalm 1:1-4,6
Gospel Luke 18:35-43
‘Son of David, have pity on me’
As Jesus drew near to Jericho there was a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging. When he heard the crowd going past he asked what it was all about, and they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. So he called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.’ The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’ And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God, and all the people who saw it gave praise to God for what had happened.
Let Me See Again
As Jesus enters Jericho, a blind man hears the crowd passing by and cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” Others try to silence him, but he keeps calling. His persistence teaches us not to let discouragement weaken our faith. In our lives, we may feel discouraged by difficulties, the doubts of others, or our own fears and weariness. At times, we may wonder whether prayer makes a difference. The blind man reminds us to keep turning to Jesus, even when the answer seems delayed or the way forward is unclear. Through prayer, we put faith into practice by bringing our needs honestly to God and trusting in His love and care.
When Jesus restores his sight, the man does not return to his old routines, but he follows Jesus and praises God. His healing brings not a new way of seeing, but also a new way of living. We are called to respond to God’s love with gratitude, follow Jesus with faithfulness, and share His goodness with others.
Reflective question:
How can I respond to Jesus’ love and mercy by following Him today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
