16 Nov
Mon
33rd Week in Ordinary Time
St Margaret of Scotland, St Gertrude, virgin
1 Mac. 1:10-15,41-43,54-57,62-64
Ps. 118(119): 53,61,134,150,155,158
Lk. 18:35-43
(Ps Wk I)
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Jesus discoursed with His followers as they walked together. Bartimaeus noticed the large crowd and enquired what it meant. When told that "Jesus of Nazareth" was passing by, he cried aloud, "Jesus Son of David, have pity on me." The disciples resented his interruption and tried to quieten him.

But Bartimaeus was not discouraged, he shouted all the more. Jesus stopped His discourse and asked that he be brought to Him. He greeted him with the gentle words, "What do you wish that I should do?" This gave Bartimaeus the opportunity to declare his faith in Jesus' power to heal. "Lord that I may see", he pleaded. Jesus touched his eyes and said, "Receive your sight, your faith has saved you."

The Fathers of the Church saw some irony in this miracle. While a blind beggar could see Jesus as Son of David or the Messiah, the religious leaders, in tragic contrast, saw His miracles but refused to recognize Him as Messiah.



Lord Jesus, increase our faith. Save us from pride and prejudice which blind us to the truth.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That all men and women in the world, especially those who have responsibilities in the field of politics and economics, may never fail in their commitment to safeguard creation.
Elaboration

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