Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Monday November 16, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5: John’s revelation from Jesus praises the Church in Ephesus for endurance and truth but admonishes their loss of initial love, urging repentance to maintain their spiritual standing.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 1: The blessed man shuns wickedness, delights in God’s law, and prospers like a tree by water. The Lord protects the just, while the wicked perish.
- Gospel – Luke 18:35-43: A blind man begging by the roadside in Jericho called out to Jesus for mercy. Despite being rebuked by the crowd, he persisted. Jesus responded, asking what he wished. Upon his request for sight, Jesus healed him, crediting his faith. He regained his sight, followed Jesus, and both he and the onlookers glorified God.
Jesus asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He replied, “Lord, please let me see.’
Luke 18:41
Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings call for a deeper look at our relationship with God and remind us of His mercy and call to conversion. We hear from Revelation about Jesus’ words to the Church in Ephesus, calling them back to their first love, and in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus heals a blind man who calls out to Him with faith.
- God’s Call to Faithfulness: Jesus urges the Church in Ephesus to return to their “first love.” This reminds us of the need to keep our faith strong and close to our hearts.
- Awareness of Spiritual Blindness: The blind man in the Gospel cannot see, but he recognizes Jesus’ power to heal. This theme calls us to recognize our own spiritual blindness and to reach out to Jesus for guidance.
- Importance of Repentance: Jesus warns the Church in Ephesus to repent. Repentance is a way to keep our hearts focused on God and to avoid drifting away.
- Jesus Listens to Us: The blind man calls out, and Jesus hears him. This shows that Jesus always listens to us, especially when we come to Him with our needs and hopes.
- The Gift of Healing: Jesus heals the man’s blindness as a sign of God’s love. This healing reminds us that Jesus brings healing not only to our bodies but also to our souls.
- Returning to Our First Love: Jesus asks the Church to remember their early love and devotion. We are reminded to return to the deep love we first felt for Jesus and to renew our commitment to Him.
These readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, guide us to reflect on faith, repentance, and love for Jesus. They encourage us to stay close to God, seeking healing and renewal in His presence.
Thoughts for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings call us to examine our faith, renew our love for Jesus, and seek healing for areas where we might be spiritually blind. In Revelation, Jesus speaks to the Church in Ephesus, urging them to remember the love they had at first. In the Gospel, a blind man reaches out to Jesus with faith, despite obstacles. These messages remind us of the importance of returning to Jesus with renewed commitment, calling on Him for guidance, and persevering in faith.
Returning to Our First Love
In the first reading for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Jesus calls on the Church in Ephesus to remember the love they had for Him at the beginning. He tells them to renew this early devotion, warning that they have drifted. This is a call to return to the simple love we felt when we first believed, to reignite that joy and purpose.
For many of us, faith starts with enthusiasm and closeness to God. Over time, however, distractions, routines, and struggles can weaken that closeness. We may still believe, but our love might lose the passion it once had. Jesus’ words remind us to revive that early love and put Him at the center of our lives again.
Renewing our love for Jesus takes daily commitment. It might mean more time in prayer, reading scripture, or reflecting on what drew us to Him at the beginning. Jesus calls us to remember how He changed our lives and to make that love active, fresh, and meaningful once more.
Recognizing Spiritual Blindness
In the Gospel for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the blind man cannot see with his eyes, but he recognizes Jesus’ power to heal. This story shows us how we can have physical sight but still lack spiritual insight. Spiritual blindness happens when we don’t see God’s truth clearly or ignore His guidance. This Gospel encourages us to recognize areas in our lives where we may be spiritually blind and to ask Jesus to help us see.
Spiritual blindness can show up in many ways: doubts, fear, or a sense of drifting away. Like the blind man calling out to Jesus, we can ask Jesus to open our eyes to see Him more clearly. When we do this, we trust Him to reveal what we need to see, especially when our path feels dark or uncertain.
Jesus’ response to the blind man is immediate and full of compassion. He hears our cries for help and wants to bring healing and guidance to those who seek Him. Just as He gave sight to the blind man, He can open our spiritual eyes, showing us the next step and leading us closer to His light.
The Power of Faith and Persistence
Both readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, speak of faith and persistence. Jesus tells the Church in Ephesus to turn back and renew their commitment to Him, showing the importance of steady, faithful love. In the Gospel, the blind man doesn’t give up. He calls out to Jesus and believes Jesus has the power to help him, even when others try to silence him. His persistence and trust are rewarded with healing.
Faith requires persistence. Sometimes, challenges or distractions can test our faith. Jesus’ call to the Church reminds us that we need to be faithful, even when it feels difficult or routine. The blind man’s example shows us that when we keep asking, keep seeking, and keep trusting, Jesus responds.
We learn that faith is active. It involves showing up daily, calling out to Jesus, and believing He hears us. When we bring our needs and struggles to Him with persistence, He meets us with strength, healing, and hope, just as He did for the Church in Ephesus and the blind man by the road.
The readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, encourage us to look deeply at our faith, recognize areas of spiritual blindness, and stay faithful even when it’s difficult. Jesus invites us to draw near, to trust Him, and to rely on His strength to renew our love and commitment. When we seek Him, He hears and guides us, calling us to a deeper, lasting relationship with Him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, renew my love and commitment to You. Open my eyes to see where I am blind, and help me to follow You more closely. May my faith stay strong, and may I seek You with all my heart. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life have I lost my “first love” for Jesus?
- Are there ways in which I am spiritually blind, ignoring God’s guidance?
- How can I make my faith in Jesus more active and persistent?
- What steps can I take to grow closer to Jesus each day?
Homilies and Reflections for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Order of Preachers: The Love You Had at First
Sr. Beth McCormick reflects on the reading from Revelation for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. Jesus praises the Church in Ephesus for its endurance and faithfulness but calls it to repent and return to its first love for God. This message challenges us to reflect on how we live out our faith. We may endure trials but risk becoming complacent or lukewarm. Sr. Beth reminds us to reorient our hearts and let God rekindle His love within us. Falling in love with God transforms everything—our actions, choices, and priorities, leading us to true joy and purpose.
Word on Fire: Seeing with Faith
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, where Jesus heals a blind man who asks, “Lord, please let me see.” This healing shows how Christ helps us see the truth about our lives. The Church Fathers teach that we often deny our sins and remain blind to our need for grace. Like Dante in The Divine Comedy, real spiritual growth begins when we admit we are lost and need God’s help. God’s grace can feel harsh when it breaks through our self-righteousness, but it leads us to true sight.
Dynamic Catholic: Get Face-to-Face with Jesus
Matthew Kelly reflects on the Gospel of Luke 18:35-43 for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. In the reading, a blind man cries out to Jesus, asking for mercy, even as others tell him to be quiet. Jesus asks him, “What do you want from me?” and the man replies, “Lord, open my eyes that I may see.” Matthew highlights the beauty and practicality of this prayer. It reminds us that we all have spiritual blindness and need God’s help to see clearly. Repeating this prayer daily can guide us in discernment and deepen our faith.
USCCB Reflection: Seeing with Christ’s Eyes
This USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 33rd week in Ordinary Time recalls a strategy used in Catholic high school open houses, where students from diverse backgrounds volunteered to give tours, resulting in increased enrollment. This story parallels the Gospel’s message about Jesus reaching out to marginalized individuals, like the blind man, who the community wanted to silence. The reflection emphasizes the importance of community and inclusion, encouraging the Church to live in hospitality and welcome, fostering encounters with Christ. It concludes with a call to see with the eyes of Christ and serve others, allowing Jesus to heal us through our faith.
Word on Fire: The Ultimate Healer
In his reflection for Monday of the 33rd week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron highlights Jesus’ mercy and healing power in the Gospel. He emphasizes Jesus as the healer and savior, embodying hope and connecting human suffering to divine life and health. Addressing the question of why Jesus doesn’t heal everyone, Bishop Barron points to the mystery of God’s will. He stresses that Jesus’ healing transcends physical ailments, focusing instead on the ultimate salvation from sin and death. This historical manifestation of Jesus is seen as an eschatological anticipation, hinting at what will come in God’s time and way.
Questions and Answers for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Monday November 16, 2026.
Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For odd numbered years see Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Monday November 16, 2026 are:
First Reading – Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5: Revelation to Ephesus
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 1: The Righteous Flourish
Gospel – Luke 18:35-43: Blind Man’s Faith Heals
What does it mean to return to our first love in the first reading for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Returning to our first love means renewing our relationship with Jesus, keeping it fresh and sincere. It is an invitation to remember the joy and commitment we had when we first came to know Him.
Why does Jesus tell the church to repent in Revelation?
Jesus calls the church to repent because they have grown distant. Repentance is a way to turn back, renew our faith, and put God at the center of our lives.
Why is faithfulness important in our relationship with God in the first reading for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Faithfulness is important because it keeps us close to God and steady in our love for Him. Just as Jesus asks the Church in Revelation to be faithful, He asks the same of us.
What does it mean to grow distant in faith?
Growing distant means we stop feeling close to God, maybe because of distractions or forgetting to pray. Jesus’ message to the church in Revelation is a reminder to keep our faith strong.
How can we apply the blind man’s story in the Gospel for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to our lives?
The blind man’s story teaches us to have faith and to reach out to Jesus with our needs. Like him, we should trust Jesus to lead us even when things feel unclear.
What does spiritual blindness mean?
Spiritual blindness means not seeing God’s truth clearly or ignoring His guidance. Asking Jesus to open our spiritual eyes can help us see things in a new way and follow Him more closely.
How does Jesus respond to those who seek Him?
Jesus listens to those who seek Him sincerely, like the blind man. He responds to honest cries for help, showing that He is close to those who call on Him with faith.
How do the readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourage us to pray?
The readings show that God hears prayers that come from the heart, like the blind man’s cry to Jesus. This encourages us to pray with trust, believing that God is listening.
How can we strengthen our love for Jesus?
We can strengthen our love by spending time in prayer, reading scripture, and focusing on Jesus daily. These actions help keep our faith alive and keep us close to Him.
Rediscovering Faith and Healing with Jesus
The readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 inspire us to reflect on our faith and relationship with Jesus. In Revelation, Jesus calls the Church in Ephesus to return to the love they had for Him at the beginning. This reminds us to rekindle the joy and passion we once felt in our faith. The Gospel highlights the story of a blind man who, despite his limitations, calls out to Jesus with unwavering faith and is healed.
These readings encourage us to examine our spiritual lives. Jesus urges us to recognize any areas where we have become distant or blind to His presence. They remind us to trust in His healing power and to persevere in faith, knowing that He listens to us and responds with love and guidance.
Jesus’ call to repentance and faith invites us to renew our commitment to Him daily. Whether it’s reviving our first love for Him or asking for healing in moments of spiritual blindness, these messages offer hope for a closer relationship with God.
Your Turn
The readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge us to reflect on our faith and seek renewal. Have you drifted in your relationship with Jesus or struggled with spiritual blindness? Take a moment to think about areas where you can grow closer to Him.
Share your thoughts or experiences in the comment section. Let’s encourage one another to trust in Jesus and seek His healing in our lives.
Leave a Reply