Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Monday November 17, 2025
Faith in the Face of Trials
On Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, we hear readings that speak about struggle, courage, and trust. The first reading from Maccabees shows people forced to abandon their faith, yet many stayed true to God even when threatened. Their witness calls us to think about how we remain faithful in our own challenges.
The psalm reminds us that God’s word is a source of strength. When others turn away, the psalmist clings to the law with hope and love. This shows us the importance of God’s promises in times of doubt or hardship.
In the Gospel, a blind man cries out to Jesus, asking for mercy. Though people try to silence him, he continues to call out. Jesus responds to his faith and restores his sight. On Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, this story reminds us that God listens when we trust Him, even when the world does not.
Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1
- First Reading – 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63: Antiochus Epiphanes enforced Hellenization on Israel, leading some to abandon their customs. Despite persecution, many chose death over defiling themselves or breaking the holy covenant.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: Overwhelmed by the wicked’s disregard for God’s law, I seek redemption and cling to His precepts, despising those who forsake His promise.
- 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.
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 even numbered years see Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
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 1
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, highlights the struggles of faithfulness and trust in God, even in hard situations. The readings call us to resist worldly pressures and to keep our hearts open to Jesus’ healing presence.
- Faithfulness under pressure: The Israelites faced intense pressure to abandon their beliefs. This theme calls us to stay faithful even when society pushes us away from God.
- The danger of compromise: Many in Israel chose to adopt pagan customs. This reminds us that compromising our beliefs weakens our connection with God.
- God’s healing power: In the Gospel, Jesus heals a blind man who calls out to Him. This shows that Jesus hears us and brings healing when we come to Him with faith.
- Courage to stand alone: Some Israelites refused to turn from God, even when threatened. This theme shows the courage needed to follow God, even if it means standing alone.
- Persistence in prayer: The blind man kept calling out until Jesus heard him. This teaches us to be persistent in prayer, trusting that God is listening.
- Light in spiritual blindness: Jesus gives sight to the blind man, symbolizing light given to those who seek Him. This theme encourages us to seek Jesus’ light to overcome our spiritual blindness.
These themes encourage us to stay close to God, no matter the challenges. Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, reminds us to have courage, faith, and persistence in following Jesus.
Reflection for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 brings us powerful examples of faith, healing, and the courage to follow God’s truth. The readings show us the struggles of the Israelites to remain faithful and the blind man’s deep trust in Jesus’ healing. These themes call us to reflect on our own journey of faith and the courage to trust Jesus in times of need.
Staying Faithful Under Pressure
In the first reading for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the Israelites face pressure to abandon their faith. Many people around them are choosing pagan customs, leaving behind the practices God had given to them. This pressure grows stronger until some Israelites give in, thinking it would make life easier or give them more acceptance among others. The reading highlights how hard it can be to stay faithful when society pushes us in another direction.
This story reminds us that our faith will sometimes face challenges. We might be encouraged to leave certain beliefs behind or to act in ways that do not align with God’s teaching. The reading shows how this happened to God’s people in the past, but it also teaches us about staying true to our beliefs in God’s truth, even when it feels lonely. Standing up for our faith takes courage and conviction, especially when we feel the pressure from others to change or compromise.
Reflecting on this theme, we can think of times when we have been tempted to drift from what we believe in. Sometimes it is hard to follow God’s way when it sets us apart from others. This reading for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to stay close to God’s truth, trusting that He gives us the strength to stand firm when the world pushes us to be otherwise.
Healing Spiritual Blindness
The Gospel for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 tells of a blind man who receives healing from Jesus. This physical healing shows a deeper reality: Jesus brings light to those who seek Him and removes the darkness of spiritual blindness. Spiritual blindness can prevent us from seeing and understanding God’s truth in our lives. It keeps us from understanding what God asks of us and from truly trusting in His guidance.
Spiritual blindness is not something we can overcome on our own; we need Jesus to open our eyes and help us see what is right and true. Like the blind man, we need to call out to Jesus, asking for His light to guide us. His healing can give us clearer understanding and a more focused direction in life. When we are lost in spiritual blindness, it is easy to go off track, but when Jesus touches our lives, we begin to see His path more clearly.
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that Jesus answers when we reach out to Him. He wants us to see His truth and receive His guidance, just as the blind man did. We can ask Jesus to open our eyes so that we do not miss God’s presence and action in our lives. We can pray to recognize God’s truth, so we can live more fully in His light.
Faith that Seeks Healing
Both readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 show people who seek God for strength and healing, each in their own way. The Israelites in the first reading faced the challenge of staying true to their beliefs and needed strength to resist the temptation to abandon them. In the Gospel, the blind man’s faith and persistence are strong as he cries out to Jesus for healing. In both cases, faith leads people to seek God’s help, whether to heal their hearts or to heal their physical sight.
These readings remind us that faith goes beyond belief; it moves us to action. When we are struggling or in need, God invites us to come to Him. He is willing to strengthen us and give us what we need to stay close to Him. Sometimes this means asking for courage in difficult times; other times, it means asking for guidance or clarity in decisions we face. Faith grows as we turn to God, trusting that He is with us and able to help.
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 calls us to bring our needs, struggles, and hopes to God. Just as the Israelites needed help to stay faithful, and the blind man needed his sight restored, we, too, can come to God with our needs. God listens to each prayer and strengthens those who turn to Him in faith. He is always ready to help us grow in faith and bring healing into our lives.
As we reflect on Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded to stay strong in our faith, seek healing from Jesus, and live with courage in the face of pressure. These readings encourage us to bring our challenges to God, trusting that He will guide and strengthen us. May we walk faithfully with Him each day.
Prayer
Lord, help us to stay faithful when life is hard and pressures pull us away from You. Give us courage to hold on to Your truth and trust in Your healing. Open our eyes to see Your light and help us follow Your path always. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- When have I felt pressure to compromise my faith, and how did I respond?
- In what areas of my life do I need to ask Jesus to bring healing or clarity?
- How can I be more persistent in prayer like the blind man in the Gospel?
- What does spiritual blindness mean to me, and how can I seek God’s truth more fully?
Homilies and Commentaries for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- Are we Citizens of Heaven or of Earth? (Order of Preachers)
- Shout out! (Order of Preachers)
- Pray Like the Blind Man! (Dynamic Catholic)
- Healed by the Source of Life (Word on Fire)
- Seeing with the Eyes of Christ (USCCB)
- More Homilies and Reflections for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Are we Citizens of Heaven or of Earth?
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 calls believers to remember where their true loyalty lies. Fr. Scott Steinkerchner reflects on how the story of the Maccabees shows the danger of abandoning faith to fit in with the world. The people were tempted to give up their identity and join the culture around them, but the faithful chose God instead. Fr. Scott reminds us that being citizens of heaven means staying true to God’s law, even when society pressures us to compromise.
Fr. Scott Steinkerchner challenges listeners to ask whether they live as followers of Christ first or as citizens of a nation first. Using the example of immigration in the United States, he explains that faith demands respect and dignity for all people. National pride or fear must never come before the call to love others as children of God and citizens of heaven.
Shout out!
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 reminds us that mercy comes before everything else. Ruth Anne Henderson explains that the blind man first asked for mercy, not sight. His cry, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me,” shows deep faith and trust in Jesus. Ruth Anne points out that blindness is not only physical. We can be blind to truth, to the needs of others, or to the consequences of our actions. Asking for mercy helps us face what we would rather ignore.
Ruth Anne Henderson also highlights the courage of the blind man who kept shouting even when people told him to be quiet. His persistence shows how faith refuses to give up. Jesus stopped, listened, and healed him, reminding us that faith can open our eyes and hearts. Ruth Anne urges us to keep calling out to Jesus with confidence and trust in his mercy.
Pray Like the Blind Man!
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 invites us to pray like the blind man who called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Matthew Kelly reflects on how this short, humble prayer shows deep faith and trust. The blind man is a symbol of every person who longs to be seen and healed by Jesus. When others told him to stay quiet, he kept calling out, showing courage and persistence in faith.
Matthew Kelly focuses on Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?” and the man’s reply, “Lord, open my eyes so that I may see.” He encourages repeating this prayer often, especially when facing hard decisions or confusion. Asking Jesus to open our eyes helps us see problems clearly and recognize what truly matters. Kelly reminds us that prayer brings clarity and helps us become the best version of ourselves.
Healed by the Source of Life
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 focuses on Jesus as the true healer who brings hope and mercy to those who suffer. His healing of the blind man shows his deep compassion and his desire to restore life and wholeness. Through him, the power of God flows to the broken and the needy, revealing that God’s love is always active in the world.
Bishop Barron explains that while Jesus healed physical illnesses, his greater mission was to free humanity from sin and death. Every healing is a sign pointing to the fullness of God’s kingdom, where all wounds will be made whole. The miracles of Jesus remind us that God’s plan unfolds in his time and way, offering both comfort and faith that healing, in its deepest sense, comes through Christ.
Seeing with the Eyes of Christ
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 reminds us that faith opens our eyes to the true beauty of community. The gospel story of the blind man shows how Jesus welcomes and heals those often overlooked. When we see others as God sees them, we begin to understand that every person has value and belongs. The story calls us to open our hearts and include everyone in the life of the Church.
Msgr. James Vlaun shares a story from his time in a Catholic high school, where every student was invited to welcome visitors, not just the top achievers. The result was a greater sense of unity and joy. He connects this to how Jesus reached out to all, especially those on the margins. Msgr. Vlaun encourages us to see others with compassion and to let faith heal our blindness, so we can love and serve like Christ.
More Homilies and Reflections for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Resources
The First Book of Maccabees: Fidelity Under Pressure
The passage from 1 Maccabees shows the brutal policies of Antiochus Epiphanes, who forced the Jewish people to abandon their covenant and embrace foreign customs. This reflects the book’s wider concern with preserving identity and faith under outside domination. 1 Maccabees often highlights the struggle between compromise and loyalty to God’s law.
This reading also points to the book’s theme of martyrdom. Many chose death rather than betray the covenant, showing that faithfulness mattered more than survival. On Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, this lesson reminds us that true worship requires courage, even when facing hostility.
Psalm 119: Delighting in God’s Word
Psalm 119 expresses love for God’s law, even when others reject it. In today’s verses, the psalmist laments those who despise God’s promises but reaffirms his own devotion. This psalm fits into the larger structure of Psalm 119, which is an extended meditation on the beauty and guidance of God’s law.
The psalmist clings to God’s word as a source of life, hope, and rescue. For Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, these words remind us that Scripture is not just a duty but a lifeline. It shows us how to endure when wickedness surrounds us.
The Gospel of Luke: Sight Through Faith
The Gospel from Luke shows Jesus healing a blind man at Jericho. This story reflects a larger theme in Luke’s Gospel: Jesus reaching out to the marginalized with mercy. The blind man’s persistence, even when silenced by the crowd, shows how faith cuts through barriers and draws the attention of Christ.
Luke often highlights how faith leads to salvation and discipleship. The blind man not only gains his sight but also follows Jesus and praises God. His response inspires the crowd to do the same. On Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, this passage reminds us that faith opens our eyes to the work of God.
Explore more insights in this article about the Gospel of Luke.
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Opened Eyes and Living Faith
This image for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 captures the moment Jesus heals the blind man at Jericho. It reflects the Gospel where faith brings sight and new life. The scene also echoes the courage of those in Maccabees who chose to stay faithful.
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Questions and Answers for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What is the main challenge faced by the Israelites in the first reading for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Israelites face pressure to abandon their beliefs and take on pagan practices. This shows how hard it can be to stay faithful when society pushes us away from God’s ways.
Why do some Israelites choose to follow pagan customs?
Some Israelites follow pagan customs because they want to fit in with other nations. This is a reminder for us to be careful not to compromise our faith just to be accepted by others.
How does this reading encourage us to stay faithful?
The reading shows that even though many gave in, some stayed true to God. It encourages us to hold onto our faith, even when others around us choose a different path.
What is the lesson about courage from the first reading?
The first reading shows that some Israelites refused to abandon God, even with pressure. This teaches us to have courage and stay faithful, even when it is difficult.
What does the blind man in the Gospel for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about faith?
The blind man keeps calling out to Jesus even when people try to stop him. His persistence teaches us not to give up in our faith, even if others discourage us.
How can we apply the healing of the blind man to our lives?
The healing of the blind man shows that Jesus listens to those who seek Him with faith. It reminds us to come to Jesus with our needs, trusting that He cares for us.
What does the Gospel say about persistence in prayer?
The blind man’s repeated calls to Jesus show persistence in prayer. This reminds us to keep praying, even when we feel unheard, trusting that Jesus is listening.
Why does Jesus respond to the blind man?
Jesus responds because the man shows faith and trust in Him. This shows us that Jesus values our faith and responds to us when we approach Him with an open heart.
How does spiritual blindness relate to the Gospel for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The blind man’s healing shows that Jesus brings light to those who seek Him. Spiritual blindness is when we cannot see God’s truth, and Jesus offers healing for this when we seek Him.
How can we live out these readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 in our own lives?
We can live out these readings by staying true to our faith, seeking Jesus in prayer, and trusting Him with our needs. They encourage us to resist worldly pressures and rely on Jesus for guidance and healing.
Faith That Does Not Give Up
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 shows two powerful examples of faith under pressure. In the first reading, the Israelites face strong pressure to follow pagan ways. Some give in, but others stay true to God. This shows how hard it can be to remain faithful when the world around us pulls us in another direction.
In the Gospel, a blind man calls out to Jesus, even when others tell him to be quiet. He does not stop. Jesus hears him and heals him. This reminds us that Jesus listens when we call out with faith and trust. He brings healing to those who seek Him.
Both readings highlight the courage it takes to stay faithful. Whether facing pressure from others or dealing with personal struggles, we are called to turn to God and trust Him to help us.
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to stay strong, keep praying, and let Jesus open our eyes to His truth.
Your Turn
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to reflect on how we respond in times of struggle. Are we tempted to give up, or do we keep calling out to Jesus?
Think about an area of your life where you need strength or healing. Bring it to God in prayer. Then, share your reflection or experience in the comment section. Let’s encourage each other in faith.