Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

• 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.

Jesus asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He replied, “Lord, please let me see.’

Luke 18:41

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.

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?

USCCB Reflection: Seeing with Christ’s Eyes

In this USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Msgr. James Vlaun recalls an open house experience at a Catholic high school, where the generosity of students from all backgrounds created a welcoming, honest environment. He connects this to the Gospel, where Jesus sees beauty and value in a blind man overlooked by others. Jesus responds to the man’s faith, healing him and giving him a new vision. Msgr. Vlaun challenges us to act with Christ-like vision, advocating for the marginalized and welcoming everyone, recognizing Christ in each person we encounter.

What date is Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Monday November 17, 2025.

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.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Monday November 17, 2025 are:
First Reading – 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63: Israel’s Defiance
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: Yearning for God’s Law
Gospel – Luke 18:35-43: Blind Man’s Faith Heals

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.