Bluster and Blindness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seriously examine empire building bluster in our community and political environment as an attempt to blind us to the need to be workers for love and justice in Jesus' vineyard.

Blinded by Bluster

The Reading from the First Book of Maccabees presents the beginning of Seleucid persecution from Alexander to Antiochus.

* [1:10] The one hundred and thirty-seventh year: Antiochus IV seized the throne in September, 175 B.C. Dates are given in this book according to the beginning of the Seleucid era, which however was reckoned in two different ways. Antiochians considered this date to be October, 312 B.C. (Syrian calendar), while Babylonians and Jewish priests accepted April, 311 B.C. as the commencement of the era (Temple calendar). The author of 1 Maccabees dates political events by the Syrian calendar but religious events by the Temple calendar. Accordingly, the civil New Year occurred variously in September or October, the religious New Year in March or April..

* [1:54] Fifteenth day of the month Kislev, in the year one hundred and forty-five: December 6, 167 B.C. Desolating abomination: in the original Hebrew, a contemptuous pun on the title “Lord of heaven” given to the god to whom an image or perhaps an altar was erected upon the altar of burnt offerings in the Temple of Jerusalem; cf. Dn 9:27; 11:31.

* [1:56] Scrolls of the law: one or more of the first five books of the Old Testament, the traditional law of Israel. (1 Maccabees, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 119 begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them.

* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. Several expected elements do not appear in the Psalm: Mount Sinai with its story of God’s revelation and gift to Israel of instruction and commandments, the Temple and other institutions related to revelation and laws (frequent in other Psalms). The Psalm is fascinated with God’s word directing and guiding human life. The poem is an acrostic; its twenty-two stanzas (of eight verses each) are in the order of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within a stanza begins with the same letter. Each verse contains one word for “instruction.” The translation here given attempts to translate each Hebrew word for “instruction” with the same English word. There are, however, nine words for “instruction,” not eight, so the principle of a different word for “instruction” in each verse cannot be maintained with perfect consistency. The nine words for “instruction” in the translation are: law, statute, commandment, precept, testimony, word, judgment, way, and promise. (Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents the Healing of the Blind Beggar.

* [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.)

Cindy Costanzo comments that this scripture, the Healing of the Blind Beggar, displays vulnerability, courage, dependence, trust, strength, and faith.

Jesus wants us to come to him in times of vulnerability and dependence. Jesus wants us to have courage and the strength to pray to him, to listen quietly, to sit in stillness, and bring our sorrows, joys, and requests. Jesus wants us to trust him. Jesus wants us to have faith. 

Be still right now, pray to Jesus asking him for what you need today, and have faith that it will be delivered. (Costanzo, 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 asks, wouldn't it be wonderful to have experienced that miracle? We all have the same longing as the man in today’s Gospel: we want to see. Most of all—and even if we don’t recognize it—we want to see Jesus and follow where he leads.

Guess what? Jesus will be passing by you today! He will be there in prayer or at Mass, when you can call out to him in need and rejoice in signs of his love. He will be there, ready to give you his full attention. His healing presence will be close by as the Holy Spirit brings a new understanding of God’s love or an insight into his word that calms your troubled heart. He will be there in your fellow believers, who might share an encouraging—or challenging—word or who might offer to pray with you. And he will be there in those who are poor and neglected, who might bring you healing as you care for them and love them with the love of Christ.

So call out to Jesus today. Bring him your needs and your hopes and your dreams. Let him heal you and lead you in his ways.

“Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me! Lord, let me see you today!” (Meditation on Luke 18:35-43, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that, in the Maccabees reading, we hear the rise of the Seleucid Empire that stretched from Turkey to Afghanistan. Emperor Antiochus IV's goal was to be proclaimed as a god and have uniformity in the empire. Some Jews in Jerusalem wanted to be like the Greeks with the gymnasium and sacrifice to gods. A rebellion broke out around 180 BCE against Seleucid oppression. In Luke, Jesus is on the way to Jericho and is interrupted by being addressed as “Jesus, Son of David”. The one who acknowledges Jesus is physically blind. Friar Jude urges that with our prayers we should be insistent. The blind man wanted to see and Jesus declares “You have been saved,” an indication of being healed both spiritually and physically.

Fr. Mike Schmitz highlights how Jesus didn't pray in order to get something from God, he prayed in order to be close to God. He also points to Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane as a perfect example of how we should pray with honesty and trust. Lastly, Fr. Mike provides insights on the significance of the walk to Emmaus and Jesus' last words on the cross. The readings are Luke 22:39-24:53 and Proverbs 26:20-23.

CAC faculty member Brian McLaren is concerned about the cost of our increasingly limited ability to see beyond our religious or political points of view. He describes how bias results when our worldviews become solidified.

People can’t see what they can’t see. 

We all, yes, even me—and more shockingly, even you, have a whole set of assumptions and limitations, prejudices and preferences, likes, dislikes and triggers, fears and conflicts of interest, blind spots and obsessions that keep us from seeing what we could and would see if we didn’t have them. 

We are almost always unconscious of these internal obstacles to seeing and understanding, which makes it even harder for us to address them. We are, you might say, blind to what blinds us. The name for these unconscious internal obstacles is bias. 

Bias makes us resist and reject messages we should accept and accept messages we should resist and reject. In short … we can’t see what we can’t see because our biases get in the way. (McLaren, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to make us aware of the blindness in our opinions and actions that we need to seek healing from the “Son of David”.

References

Costanzo, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved November 17, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-17-2025 

Luke, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 17, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/18?35 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Not as Rational as We Think. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 17, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/not-as-rational-as-we-think/ 

Meditation on Luke 18:35-43. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved November 17, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/17/1431063/ 

1 Maccabees, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 17, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1maccabees/1?10 

Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 17, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119?53 

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 17, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Seeing the Way

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.

Renewing our 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 

Cults and Blindness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with our blindness to the plans and actions we witness daily that bring death and destruction to our brothers and sisters through the ascendency of war over peace.

Gathered in Peace

The reading from the First Book of Maccabees describes the tyranny of Antiochus Epiphanes, Renegade Jews and the Installation of Gentile Cults.

* [1:14] Gymnasium: symbol and center of Greek athletic and intellectual life, it was the chief instrument of Hellenistic culture. Jewish youth were attracted by sports and encouraged to join youth clubs. They received training in military skills and in the duties of citizens. Many were won over to paganism, and some even sought surgical correction of their circumcision (since physical exercise was carried out in nudity). (1 Maccabees, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 119 praises the Glories of God’s Law.

* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. (Psalms, PSALM 119, 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.)

Tom Quinn asks how can we separate the terminal phrase of today’s readings, “terrible affliction was upon Israel,” from current events? We can learn from the ancient events and pray to God as the Psalmist does: “redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may keep your precepts.” “Give us life, Lord, and I will do your commands.”

The Gospel sets an example that has helped me to pray today. A blind man seeking a cure from Jesus was rebuked by the crowd surrounding Jesus. The man persisted. Jesus asked him, "what do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said, “please, let me see.” Jesus told the man, "Have sight, your faith has saved you.” We should not give up on our prayer if we do not experience immediate results. Be sincere; be patient; ask God directly what we want Him to do for us. Have faith that God hears our prayer; we are never alone. (Quinn, 2023)

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 we believe in Jesus’ love, and we know that we can come to him and ask for help. But do we? Sometimes “the crowd” rebukes us and stops us. Instead of hostile onlookers, though, that “crowd” is often the voices in our own heads—voices that tell us that Jesus may listen to everyone else, but he won’t listen to us. Or that we don’t deserve his help. Or that because we don’t see an answer right away, we should just give up.

Don’t listen to those voices! Keep calling out to Jesus, just as the blind man did! Perhaps you have a friend or relative who has been dealing with a really difficult issue for a long time. It seems hopeless. But don’t stop praying, because a solution might be just around the corner. Or perhaps you face a seemingly impossible situation in your own life. Be insistent and persistent in your prayer.

Jesus hears your prayers. He is asking you today, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41). (Meditation on Luke 18:35-43, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler outlines some of the history that established Antiochus Epiphanes as Emperor over the people of Israel and how the religious customs became hellenized as also described in the books of Wisdom and Sirach. Jesus is addressed as “Son of David” by the blind beggar. Friar Jude reminds us that when someone experiences a manifestation of faith and healing, Jesus refers to the person as being saved.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, understands the teachings of Bonaventure as a call to love all creation.

St. Bonaventure taught that to work up to loving God, start by loving the very humblest and simplest things, and then move up from there. “Let us place our first step in the ascent at the bottom, presenting to ourselves the whole material world as a mirror, through which we may pass over to God, who is the Supreme Craftsman,” he wrote. And further, “The Creator’s supreme power, wisdom and benevolence shine forth in created things.” [1]

Creation—be it planets, plants, or pandas—was not just a warm-up act for the human story or the Bible. The natural world is its own good and sufficient story, if we can only learn to see it with humility and love. That takes contemplative practice, stopping our busy and superficial minds long enough to see the beauty, allow the truth, and protect the inherent goodness of what is—whether it profits or pleases us or not. (Rohr, 2023)

As we continue to suffer from blindness to the lack of beauty, truth, and goodness in the words and actions of narcissistic leadership in our world, we implore the Son of David to open our eyes to leaders who serve with love, mercy, and compassion.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/18? 

Meditation on Luke 18:35-43. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/11/20/833667/ 

1 Maccabees, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1maccabees/1?10 

Psalms, PSALM 119. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119? 

Quinn, T. (2023, November 20). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112023.html 

Rohr, R. (2023, November 20). Building on a First Love — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/building-on-a-first-love/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=nov20