JESUS, LIGHT OF OUR EYES
Introduction
From today until the end of the Church year we read from the book of Revelation, an apocalyptic writing. The author wants to express trust in God and the future, for ultimately God will win the struggle between good and evil, involving not only the earth but also having heaven intervening. He does not know how, and to a large extent he is guessing, using traditional apocalyptic images, many inspired by religious experiences of God’s people in the past and trying to apply them to the present but even to the future. But underlying all this, even when describing calamities, is the firm faith and hope that God will win and that therefore there is no reason to be afraid.
After Jesus had scolded the apostles for their lack of understanding and faith, Luke shows him curing the blind man. Is it perhaps to teach the apostles a lesson and showing them that they need to be healed from their blindness by faith? In any case, Jesus becomes light and gives light to the blind man. We ask our Lord to give us eyes of faith.
Opening Prayer
God, almighty Father, each of us too could say: Let me see again, for I am blind to the love that you show me in the people around me. Let me see again, for I am blind to your goodness and beauty that you reveal to me in your creation and in the events of life. May we too hear from the lips of your Son: your faith has saved you. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen!
1 Reading: Revelations 1:1-4; 2:1-5
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show his servants what must happen soon. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who gives witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ by reporting what he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud and blessed are those who listen to this prophetic message and heed what is written in it, for the appointed time is near. John, to the seven churches in Asia: grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne. I heard the Lord saying to me: “To the angel of the Church in Ephesus, write this: “‘The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands says this: “I know your works, your labour, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves Apostles but are not, and discovered that they are impostors. Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”‘”
Responsorial Psalm PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 AND 6
R. (Rev. 2:17)Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.
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. R.
He is like a tree planted near running water, That yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers. R.
Not so the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. For the LORD watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes. R.
Alleluia John 8:12
Alleluia, alleluia. I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel 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
Commentary
This week we have a series of readings from the Book of Revelation. It comes to us from the end of the first century, during the persecution of the emperor Domitian (81-96 AD). We know little about the author other than his name. He is referred to as John of Patmos or John the Seer. He is distinguished from the apostles and cites nothing from the life of Jesus.
The book is famous for its symbolism. It looks forward to the imminent end-time and speaks of it in highly symbolic terms, most of which are derived from the Old Testament. Initially he receives a revealed message from the Lord directed to seven churches in Asia Minor. The churches are entrusted to seven angels, who are the recipients of the Seer’s letters.
Christ is the speaker in the letters; he walks among the seven gold lampstands (the churches) as he sends his message. To the church of Ephesus he says much that is congratulatory. Its works are commendable; it excludes the wicked; its perseverance is more than evident. However, it appears that its initial zeal has diminished. It has fallen into serious error and is called to repentance. It must return to its original fervour.
The compassionate Christ in the Gospel goes out of his way to cure the persistent blind man. In gratitude the man follows Jesus.
Intercessions
– Lord, see the eyes of children that are open to life; see the eyes full of hope of those who believe in your future; fill them with your light, we pray:
– Lord, see the eyes full of hatred or spite of those who are frustrated; see the joy in the eyes of those who know how to love, we pray:
– Lord, see the eyes of those who suffer; see the eyes of those who are shut to others, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
God, almighty Father, through this bread and wine we ask you to give us the light of our lives, your Son Jesus Christ. Through him, the Son of David, have pity on us, that we may praise you for the saving goodness which you show us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
Prayer after Communion
Lord our God, in this Eucharist you have let us experience your goodness through Jesus’ saving presence. Do not allow us to hide his light or to darken the lives of our neighbour. Make us clear-eyed and let us be lights for those without insight or hope, by the power of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
Blessing
When we are at times blind to what God asks of us, we too cry out: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. Let me see again.” And may he answer us, “Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.” May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!