REFLECTIONS TODAY
Dependence is what we mostly associate with a blind person. After all, with only darkness, how can we expect a blind person to live his or her life totally independent? Or so we think. As a matter of fact, some blind persons manage to walk with only a cane to guide them, and without a hint of complaint or distress that we think they should be feeling, given their condition. Still, to see the light and the different colors of the world is one of the most precious of human experiences. And this is what we imagine blind persons are desiring first and foremost. Our blind man in the Gospel hears only of Jesus, but he has full trust that Jesus could make him see, and so he expresses this desire, and Jesus does not frustrate him. When we desire certain things, especially those which are dearest to us, we should express them to Jesus with full trust, but without demanding anything. Before God, we can only wait humbly and patiently. May we desire to have the light of wisdom, to see or find that which God wants us to do as Jesus’ followers.
First Reading • Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5 [or Acts 28:11-16, 30-31]
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.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.