Apocalypse 1:1-4; 2:1-5 / Luke 18:35-43
The book of Apocalypse (or Revelation) is written in a graphic style and filled with imagery, which is called apocalyptic literature, and it is certainly something for the imagination.
Yet before the imagination starts to run wild, we need to remember that apocalyptic literature has a purpose and aim.
Besides the heavily laden symbolic language which is understood only by the Christian community, its aim is to encourage and strengthen the community in times of persecution.
It also serves to remind the Christian community that in the end, God will judge and punish the wicked and evil doers and those who are faithful will be vindicated.
That is the message of the 1st reading. Yet the 1st reading also ends off with a warning to the Christian community of Ephesus.
And that is their love was waning and they have less love now than before, and they were told to reflect and repent in order to love as before.
The gospel also calls for a deeper reflection and subsequently to a repentance.
The crowds sees Jesus as someone from Nazareth (Jesus the Nazarene) but the blind man addressed Him as "Son of David" which is a royal title for the Messiah or Saviour.
We too may have lost some of the fervent love for Jesus over time and we need to repent of our indifference and lukewarmness.
It was faith that healed the blind man in the gospel. It is also faith and a deep love for Jesus that will save us.