Monday 20 November 2023

Today is Monday 20th November, in the 33rd week of Ordinary time.

The University of Johannesburg Choir sings the Kyrie: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness.


Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.


Luke 18:35-43

As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.

For the prayer time today, try to imagine that you are an observer in this story. As you close your eyes, picture yourself sitting down on the roadside beside the blind man. Imagine the sounds in the street…what can you hear?

Now listen to the voices of the people in the passing crowd as they tell you both, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” How do you feel when you hear this news?

Suddenly, the blind man next to you begins to urgently call out, “Son of David, have mercy on me! Son of David have mercy on me!”


As you listen to the second half of the reading again, try to stay seated with the blind man by the side of the road, and watch all that unfolds.

The blind man asks Jesus, “Lord, let me see again.”

Imagine that Jesus turns to you now, and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?”


What do you want to say to him?


Take a moment to say it, and give thanks to the Lord for his loving presence with you.


Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.