St. Margaret of Scotland,

St. Gertrude the Great, virgin 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5

 God gave it to him

To let his ser­vants know what is soon to take place. He sent his angel to make it known to his servant, John,  who reports everything he saw, for this is the word of God and the declaration of Jesus Christ. Happy is the one who reads aloud these pro­phetic words, and happy those who hear them and treasure everything written here, for the time is near.  

From John to the seven Churches of Asia: receive grace and peace from him who is, who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits of God which are before his throne,  Write this to the angel of the Church in Ephesus, “Thus says the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven golden lamp­stands:  I know your works, your difficulties and your patient suffering.

I know you cannot tolerate evildoers but have tested those who call themselves apos­­tles and have proved them to be liars. You have persevered and have suffered for my name without losing heart. 

 Nevertheless, I have this complaint against you: you have lost your first love. Remember from where you have fallen and repent, and do what you used to do be­fore. If not, I will come to you and remove your lamp­­stand from its place; this I will do, unless you repent.

 

Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 & 6

Those who are victorious I will feed form the tree of life.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Luke 18:35-43

When Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road, begging. As he heard the crowd passing by, he inquired what it was, and they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was going by. Then he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 

The people in front scolded him, “Be quiet!” but he cried out all the more, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  Jesus stopped and ordered the blind man to be brought to him, and when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

And the man said, “Lord, that I may see!” Jesus said, “Receive your sight, your faith has saved you.” At once the blind man was able to see, and he followed Jesus, giving praise to God. And all the people who were there also praised God.

 

Gospel Reflection：

The book of Revelation is a loving message from Jesus Christ to His precious bride, the church revealing the things that must soon come to pass. It is meant to be understood by His people, with a blessing promised to those with a blessing promised to those who read, hear and keep the things revealed in these prophecies.

These seven messages written for specific congregations in the early Christian Church are prophecies of what God’s people would face during the following centuries of history. Each message to the churches includes an address, commendation, reproof, and promise.

When the Lord asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you? he replied,’I want to see.’ He wanted to see what or who, the blind man did not specify. But in the following verses this question will be answered.

When the blind man finally and immediately received his healing, he didn’t go home or went his way. But instead the next step he took is to follow the Lord and gave praised to God. this is what the blind man would like to see, while the others remain in their blindness.