Do the Works

Do the Works

Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Piety

Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.  Revelation 2:4-5

He shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me!"  Luke 18:38-39

Study

The story of the blind beggar that Luke passes along differs slightly from the accounts in the other Synoptic Gospel.  Matthew has two beggars seeking miraculous healing.  Mark actually gives the beggar a name. Maybe there is a thread of fact in all three differing accounts but one thing is certain: Bartimaeus has not lost the love of Christ.  In his blindness, the beggar sees more clearly than those with sight. 

In addition, three times, he appeals to Jesus.  Like the persistent widow, Jesus hears him over the crowd because the prayers of the blind beggar will not be silenced.

He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” (38)

“Son of David, have pity on me!” (39)

“Lord, please let me see.” (41)

As in the exchange with St. Peter in the courtyard on Good Friday, there are three challenges in this encounter.  As in the exchange with St. Peter at the “Last Breakfast,” there are three challenges.  Now, the blind beggar also persistently repeats his prayer three times.

The Gospel comes full circle in Revelation.  Think back to the message that John the Baptist preached.  Repent.  Think back to the message Jesus preached.  Repent.  Now, we are reminded once again to change our evil (or at least lazy) ways.  

Action

Lord, help us to see what is happening around us so that we may act with the love we had when we first came down from the “Cursillo mountaintop.”