Saint Nicholas
Greek Orthodox
Church
San Jose, California
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1999-2006 St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of
San Jose, CA
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
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Sunday of the Blind Man - May
20, 2001
[Click here to see past Church
bulletin messages] "THEN THE EYES OF THE BLIND SHALL BE OPENED" When Christ began His ministry in the region of Galilee, He stood up in a small synagogue in Nazareth and read from the Book of Isaiah. The section He selected contained this telling passage: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND." The Gospel lesson for this, the 6th Sunday of Pascha, provides us with a powerful story of Jesus curing blindness on two distinct levels. While passing through Jerusalem, our Lord encounters a man who has been blind from birth. He places clay on the sightless man's eyes and commands him to "Go wash in the pool of Siloam." (John 9:7) Miraculously, the blind man could now see! His troubles, however, were just beginning, for word of this occurrence quickly reached the ears of the Pharisees, who immediately wanted to question him. The Pharisees repeatedly requested that the man relate the details of his healing. Blinded by their petty jealousies, these religious leaders refused to see the obvious" Christ had fulfilled the writings of Isaiah by giving sight to one who had never seen before. Today's Gospel concludes with a much more significant "miracle," for we find the man finally recognizing Christ as being the Son of God. The eyes of his heart were opened as well, causing him to exclaim: "Lord, I believe." (John 9:38) May the brilliance of Christ's Light illuminate us in a similar way! |
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Special Message for the day... "How ready the blind man was to come to Jesus! His gratitude was boundless as he unhesitatingly responded to his formidable opponents. He simply spoke the truth as they avoided the truth at all costs. There was too much at stake to accept Christ--hence, the chosen course to make Him unworthy of faith by twisting the evidence. Do we not often act in a similar way? Candor and transparency get lost in vested interests. We defend positions not out of conviction but because we have too much to lose. We do not assess our motives as we should. Rather than admit our faults we make others culpable. Rather than address sensitive or controversial issues with honesty, we equivocate rather than displease. As Christians we are called to light, to sight, to alertness. In human affairs that means transparency, candor, and charity. In baptism we were cleansed with clear water. Perhaps we should reflect on the symbol more than we do." References: |
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RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION O faithful, let us sing a hymn of praise and worship to the Logos who is co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, who was born of the Virgin for our salvation. Of His own will, He went upon the Cross in the flesh and suffered death, to raise the dead through His glorious Resurrection.
THEOTOKION Hail, uncrossed portal of the Lord! Hail! Defense and protection of all who come to you! Hail, peaceful haven who have never known a man, yet gave birth to your Creator and God. Never cease to intercede for those who sing the praise of the One born of you, for those who worship your Son.
APOLYTIKION OF SAINT NICHOLAS An example of Faith and a life of humility, as a teacher of abstinence you did inspire and lead your flock and through your truthfulness of your deeds were exalted by greatness through your humility uplifting all and by poverty gaining wealth. Father and hierarch Nicholas intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.
KONTAKION Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and rose the victor, Christ God. To the myrrh-bearing women, saying "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You are He Who raised up the fallen.
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St. Nicholas Greek
Orthodox Church
1260 Davis Street, San Jose,
California 95126