Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in this Monday’s Holy Mass we are invited to delve into the book of Revelation, a text that can often feel daunting, mysterious, or even intimidating. However, as we approach this apocalyptic writing, let us remember that it is fundamentally a revelation of Jesus Christ. The opening verses of Revelation remind us that this book is not merely a cryptic prophecy but a message from God, given to His servants to unveil what must take place soon and what was already unfolding in the early Church. This revelation is rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and it must always be viewed in light of His incarnation and the redemption He won for us.
In our first reading from Revelation, we encounter the figure of John, who is blessed because he faithfully witnesses to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. We must always keep in mind that Saint John the “beloved disciple” was always presented to be the model of a “contemplative” and therefore very close to Jesus’ heart through prayer. He was able to recognize Jesus a number of times, whereas the others did not. Both prior and post-resurrection, John is the one who “sees clearly” and so he is presented as a model disciple to be imitated by the Christian. In fact, he represented each of us, for beneath the cross, in John, we are all gathered, and we all received the wonderful gift of Mary as our Mother by proxy as John stood in for us. In this reading, we see him addressing the seven churches of Asia with a blend of grace and peace—a poignant reminder that Jesus, who "is and who was and who is to come," is intimately involved in the life of the Church. He walks among the lampstands, which symbolize the churches, affirming their good works while also calling them to repentance when they stray from their first love.
This call to remember one's first love resonates deeply with us. We often begin our journey of faith with passion—a burning desire to know and serve God. Yet, over time, the struggles of life, distractions, and trials can cause that initial fire to dim. Jesus, speaking through John, urges the Church in Ephesus—and us—to realize how far we have fallen and to return to those works that stem from a pure heart filled with love which we had originally embraced. It calls us to examine our faith: Are we serving out of obligation or out of love? Are we fervent in prayer, or have we allowed ourselves to become complacent?
In our Gospel passage from Luke, we see the story of the blind man who boldly calls out to Jesus, risking the rebuke of the crowd. His persistent cry, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" is a testament to his faith. In contrast to the somber warnings found in Revelation, this scene offers a glimpse of the compassion and power of Jesus. His question to the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” echoes throughout the ages. It is an invitation for us to express our deepest needs and desires to the Lord. The blind man's request—to see—symbolizes a longing for spiritual insight and understanding. And through his faith, he receives not only physical sight but also spiritual awakening, which leads him to follow Jesus and glorify God.
Both readings today remind us that the fullness of the message of Revelation is best understood through the lens of Jesus Christ—the one who embodies God’s love and redemptive power.
The struggles presented to the churches are not just warnings of condemnation but invitations to renewal embodied in the grace and mercy of Jesus. Like the blind man, we too are invited to seek healing and transformation in our lives.
As we reflect on both, let us keep our hearts open to the call of God. Are we allowing His grace to renew our tired souls? Are we nurturing our relationship with Him, ensuring that our love for Him remains a vibrant force in our lives? The Lord desires to restore our sight, to help us see with clarity the way forward, but as for Saint John so too it is with us—clarity can only come if we stay close to the Lord and rest our heads on his loving Heart.
In the blessed moment that is the Mass, let us commit ourselves to turn back to God—repenting where we have lost our fervor and seeking, as the blind man and Saint John did, the spiritual sight that leads us to follow Jesus more closely. May we always seek the grace to recognize Jesus in our midst, to respond to His questions with faith, and to proclaim His goodness, testifying to the miracle of His love and redemption and may he give us the grace to persevere and accompany him often at the foot of the cross.
May God's grace and peace be with you all this Monday. Amen.
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