The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to apply the symbolic language of Revelations to seek the areas in which our practice of faith and love needs renewed vision.
The reading from the Book of Revelation is an Introduction, Salutation and Message to Ephesus
* [2:1–7] The letter to Ephesus praises the members of the church there for their works and virtues, including discerning false teachers (Rev 2:2–3), but admonishes them to repent and return to their former devotion (Rev 2:4–5). It concludes with a reference to the Nicolaitans (see note on Rev 2:6) and a promise that the victor will have access to eternal life (Rev 2:7).
* [2:1] Ephesus: this great ancient city had a population of ca. 250,000; it was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and the commercial, cultural, and religious center of Asia. The other six churches were located in the same province, situated roughly in a circle; they were selected for geographical reasons rather than for the size of their Christian communities. Walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands: this signifies that Christ is always present in the church; see note on Rev 1:4. (Revelation, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 1 describes The Two Ways.
* [Psalm 1] A preface to the whole Book of Psalms, contrasting with striking similes the destiny of the good and the wicked. The Psalm views life as activity, as choosing either the good or the bad. Each “way” brings its inevitable consequences. The wise through their good actions will experience rootedness and life, and the wicked, rootlessness and death. (Psalms, PSALM 1 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus heals a Blind Beggar Near Jericho.
* [18:38] Son of David: the blind beggar identifies Jesus with a title that is related to Jesus’ role as Messiah (see note on Lk 2:11). Through this Son of David, salvation comes to the blind man. Note the connection between salvation and house of David mentioned earlier in Zechariah’s canticle (Lk 1:69). See also note on Mt 9:27. (Luke, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB, n.d.)
Carol Zuegner comments that we often say “I see” when a concept or an idea becomes clear.
I also can use my sight to turn inward, to examine my actions and the impact those actions have on others. I often quote the element of Jesuit spirituality – finding God in all things. To do that, you have to see. You have to look. You have to have faith that God is there, even in the difficult things. We have to see with our eyes and our hearts. (Zuegher, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “The blind man knows that Jesus is the Son of David and the Messiah,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).
"The blind man must have understood that the sight of the blind cannot be restored by human means but requires, on the contrary, a divine power and an authority such as God only possesses. With God nothing whatsoever is impossible. The blind man came near to him as to the omnipotent God. How then does he call him the Son of David? What can one answer to this? The following is perhaps the explanation. Since he was born and raised in Judaism, of course, the predictions contained in the law and the holy prophets concerning Christ had not escaped his knowledge. He heard them chant that passage in the book of the Psalms, 'The Lord has sworn in truth to David, and will not annul it, saying: "of the fruit of your loins I will set a king upon your throne"' (Psalm 132:11).
"The blind man also knew that the blessed prophet Isaiah said, 'There will spring up a shoot from the root of Jesse, and from his root a flower will grow up' (Isaiah 11:1). Isaiah also said, 'Behold, a virgin will conceive and bring forth a son, and they will call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us' (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14). He already believed that the Word, being God, of his own will had submitted to be born in the flesh of the holy Virgin. He now comes near to him as to God and says, 'Have mercy on me, Son of David.' Christ testifies that this was his state of mind in offering his petition. He said to him, 'Your faith has saved you.'"(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 126) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 18:35-43 comments that perhaps Jesus posed the question to expand this man’s expectations. Perhaps he had something more than a physical healing to give him.
It’s true that Jesus wants to care for us, but we shouldn’t think of him as just an instrument we use to attain all that we need. He is all that we need! May we turn to him each day, ready to be filled with all that he desires to give us.
“Lord, I want to see! Open my eyes to who you are and all you want to do within me.” (Meditation on Luke 18:35-43, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler explains some of the imagery of the Introduction to Revelations including the pseudonym of the author and the trinitarian aspect of the introduction and the development of a judgemental attitude in the Church at Ephesus. The blind man who shouts “Son of David” is the first to use the title that Jesus will be addressed by in Jerusalem. Friar Jude reminds us that when faith is involved the recipient is healed spiritually and physically.
Barbara Holmes continues to share her experiences as an ordinary, everyday mystic.
I hear mystery in drumming, in singing bowls, rattles, and in basic hymns, but that’s not the only place mysticism is found. Sacred texts of all faiths contain stories of wondrous happenings. In the Christian tradition we have virgin births, burning bushes not consumed, waters parting, healing, and prophetic leadership. Yet some Christians are nervous as to whether miracles are tied to faith! Miracles and mysteries can be extraordinary. They can be experienced by the entire community or as a vision or a dream for an individual. Today, we are not looking for colossal mysteries like the parting of the seas. We just want to tap into, or at least recognize, everyday mysticism. Our ancestors hosted this type of mysticism for ages, and we didn’t lose our connection to those many sources of wisdom until more recent generations when we decided that scientific verification and proof would be the only criteria by which we decide between reality and delusion. But we can make better decisions now. We can acknowledge the continued value of science as we explore our worlds and while we continue our dance with the mysteries of life. (Holmes, n.d.)
We invoke the insight of the Spirit to correct our myopic vision of how we relate to Father and Son and the people in our environment.
References
Holmes, B. (n.d.). Encouraging Everyday Mysticism. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/encouraging-everyday-mysticism/
Luke, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/18?35
Meditation on Luke 18:35-43. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/18/1132078/
Psalms, PSALM 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/1?1
Revelation, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/2
Schwager, D. (n.d.). What Do You Want Me to Do for You? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov18
Zuegher, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/111824.html
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