REFLECTIONS TODAY
Luke does not name the blind beggar in today’s Gospel unlike Mark who identifies him to be “Bartimaeus” (Mk 10:46). As a beggar who spent most of his time on the roadside, Bartimaeus must have caught news regarding Jesus as a miracle worker and as the possible liberator of Israel. When Jesus happens to pass his way, the beggar calls out him, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” Most likely, the crowd regard him as a “nuisance” so they try to keep him silent. They probably think that with the coming of Jesus at Jericho, an important city with an important population, this blind beggar does not count and should be shunted aside.
Jesus, however, has a different idea. The blind beggar must be taken from his corner and is called to stand in the midst of the crowd. Jesus gives a listening ear and asks the poor man, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus does not presume; neither does he impose his will on us. He asks us to surrender ourselves to his great power.
First Reading • Rv 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 labor, 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.’”
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