Gospel: November 16, 2026
November 16, 2026 (Monday)
33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 1 (Green/White)
St. Gertrude, virgin
St. Margaret of Scotland
Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 & 6
Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.
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 lamp stand from its place; this, I will do, unless you repent.
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 was happening, 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 of him scolded him. “Be quiet!” they said, 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, Jesus 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.
Reflection:
Transformative power of a miracle by Jesus
Today, we have the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man given sight by Jesus, in our Gospel. Being at the roadside and observing the people’s reactions, we understand how marginalized the blind beggar is. Yet his faith emboldened him to call Jesus the Son of David, a profession of faith that tells all the people that Jesus is Bartimaeus’ hope and Israel’s. Because of his faith, Jesus performed wonders and healed him. Bartimaeus was not only healed of his blindness, but he also gained the strength and confidence to follow Jesus. The encounter tells us about the transformative power of a miracle performed by Jesus for those who have faith. We may also reflect on our life experiences. How have the wonders of Jesus in our lives transformed us? What transformations have occurred throughout the year? How will I praise God just like Bartimaeus did?
