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.