DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR

Celebration: Ferial 

Table of the Word
First Reading: 1 Maccabees 1:10–15, 41–43, 54–57, 62–64
Gospel: Luke 18:35–43

Theme: Lord, that I may see.

Reflection

As Jesus draws near to Jericho, a blind man sits by the roadside begging unnoticed, unheard, and pushed aside by the crowd. Yet, when he learns that Jesus is passing by, he refuses to be silent. His cry: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” becomes a powerful prayer of faith.

Even when others try to silence him, he shouts all the more. Faith is often tested by the voices that tell us to give up, stay quiet, or accept our situation. But Jesus hears the cry of those who persevere.

When Jesus stops and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” the man responds simply: “Lord, I want to see.” His desire is clear, honest, and direct. And Jesus restores his sight not just physically, but spiritually. Immediately, he follows Jesus, glorifying God, and his healing becomes a testimony that leads others to praise.

This passage reminds us that faith is persistent, prayer is powerful, and Jesus is attentive to those who call on Him sincerely. Like the blind man, may we find the courage to cry out to the Lord, the clarity to ask for what we truly need, and the grace to follow Him once our eyes are opened.

The cry of the blind man on the road to Jericho becomes the cry of the Church today. A

cry for sight, truth, and fidelity. In a world that often dims our spiritual vision, the Gospel invites us to uncover again the eyes of faith.

In the light of this, that today's first reading taken from the First Book of Maccabees recounts the painful erosion of Israel’s identity under foreign pressure. Many abandoned the covenant, adopting the practices and values of the prevailing culture. Yet a remnant remained faithful, refusing to defile what was sacred, even at the cost of their lives (cf. 1 Maccabees 1:10–15, 41–43, 54–57, 62–64)

However, their courage reminds us: Faithfulness to God is never accidental; it is a deliberate daily choice.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, as point of reflection let us not allow our inner fire to be extinguished by the noise around us. Let us return to Him with the simplicity of the blind beggar, and He will open our eyes to the truth.

Finally, in faith let us look up to the Messiah with the mantra "Lord, that I may see."

+ Peace be with you.

© ARCHIVE 17112025