Monday 18th November- The first reading speaks of people steeped in paganism and did not resist but accepted the decrees under the rule of Antiochus Epiphanes. It is said that many Israelites remained firm and determined and preferred to die rather than yield to this which was contrary to the Law of Moses. This was the beginning of a holy war. It was faith that gave them the strength to take this stand. In the Gospel we see a similar display of faith by the blind beggar who sees what others in the crowd do not see. By proclaiming Jesus as the Son of David, he acknowledges Jesus as the promised Messiah and thereby displays his faith. Faith involves abandoning trust in one’s own resources and casting oneself totally on God’s mercy. The blind man’s faith was an emptying of himself.Despite the many miracles we see on a day-to-day basis where does our faith level rest? Anxiety and pessimism often rule our lives when things go bad for us. Whereas, when it goes our way we steal a bit of the glory while thanking God for it. In my own life I thought I was close to God, attending daily mass since my school days and reciting the Rosary daily. I was a self-righteous person who thought I was above criticism until crisis came and the very foundations of my life cracked. I was devastated. I even questioned the Lord. Meeting the Lord personally, ushered in a whole new world for me. My journey of faith began and I was strengthened by His Word. “Therefore I tell you do not worry about life what you will eat or drink…because your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek ye first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6: 25, 33. My greatest realisation was ‘He is alive.’ The Lord Jesus speaks to us whenever we open our hearts and accept Him alone as our Saviour. He says to us, “Receive your sight, your faith has healed you.” Our eyes which were blinded by the world are opened and our broken hearts are healed and we can begin a journey of faith in the Lord, daily experiencing His saving grace and his constant presence in our lives. As we journey with the Lord we begin to access situations with our spiritual eyes and the word leads us on, prompting us and correcting us to right living in the Lord.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 06:39:16 +0000
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