November 18, 2019

Monday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Today

Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul or Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne

He kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Luke 18:39c

Good for him! Here was a blind beggar who was treated poorly by many. He was treated as if he were no good and a sinner. When he began to call out for mercy from Jesus, he was told to be silent by those around him. But what did the blind man do? Did he give in to their oppression and ridicule? Certainly not. Instead, “He kept calling out all the more!” And Jesus took notice of his faith and healed him.

There is a great lesson from this man’s life for us all. There are many things we will encounter in life that get us down, discourage us and tempt us to despair. There are many things that are oppressive to us and difficult for us to deal with. So what should we do? Should we give in to the struggle and then retreat into a hole of self-pity?

This blind man gives us the perfect witness of what we should do. When we feel oppressed, discouraged, frustrated, misunderstood, or the like, we need to use this as an opportunity to turn to Jesus with even greater passion and courage calling upon His mercy.

Difficulties in life can have one of two effects on us. Either they beat us down or they make us stronger. The way they make us stronger is by fostering within our souls an even greater trust in and dependence upon the mercy of God.

Reflect, today, upon that which tempts you the most toward discouragement. What is it that feels oppressive to you and difficult to deal with. Use that struggle as an opportunity to cry out with even more passion and zeal for the mercy and grace of God.

Lord, in my weakness and struggle, help me to turn to You with even more passion. Help me to rely upon You all the more in times of distress and frustration in life. May the wickedness and harshness of this world only strengthen my resolve to turn to You in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.

More Gospel Reflections

Divine Mercy Reflections

Saints of the Day – Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul or Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne

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