Repent and do the works you did at first

Rev. 1:1-4.2:1-5, Lk. 18:35-43. Today's Gospel recounts the healing of the blind man, Bartimaeus, who sat at Jericho gate begging when Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. Hoping that his sight could be restored to allow him live a normal life, the blind man called out in prayer: “Son of David, have mercy on me!!” If he get his sight back he knew it would change things for him and he would have to work for his living, but he seemed eager to face whatever new horizons might open up for him. When Jesus asked him to state his request, he said: “Lord, let me see again!” and once he regained his sight, he began to follow Jesus, with a new focus to his life. He could see his wife and children and neighbours, all of whom thanked God for the healing.

Our Lord might be on a journey, but He is never indifferent to those He met along the way. The people He met were as important to Him as His destination. That is why He gave this blind man full attention when others were telling Him to be quiet. He answered the man’s heartfelt wishes: "Let me see again," and, as a result, a wave of praise and prayer spread to all the people who witnessed it. Our vision may be excellent, we can also benefit from a version of the blind man’s prayer: “Lord, let me see your will more clearly. Help me to follow you along the road.” Perhaps we may need some kind of conversion, like the Christians in Ephesus who were gently reproached by the Lord in today's first reading: “Remember then from what you have fallen, repent and do the works you did at first.” This challenge applies to us, to repent from our lax attitude and turn more fully to God. We are called to return to our initial love and zeal we have for God and things of God.

As we begin this week, may the Lord grant us grace and strong will to overcome all obstacles that obstruct us from reaching God! Amen!! Remain safe, do have a productive week!!!