Sunday, March 13, 2016

Maronite Year XXX

The last Sunday of Lent in the Maronite calendar is given to the story of the healing of blind Bartimaeus. Unsurprisingly, the aspect of salvation it focuses on is enlightenment.

Sunday of the Healing of the Blind Man
2 Corinthians 10:1-7; Mark 10:46-52

Praise and honor to the One who said,
"Let there be light," so there was light!
Praise to the Father, the Source of Light!
Praise to the Son, true Light from Light!
Praise to the Spirit, shining greatly,
bright from the Father and the Son.
Lord have mercy on us and save us!
O Light from Light and God from God,
You became man to heal our nature,
like us in all things except sin,
shining and scattering the darkness.

Light of the wise and Joy of the just,
who rescues us from the darkness,
You have dawned; night's power is broken,
death is destroyed, hell overcome.
By your healings you enlighten us;
You opened the eyes of the blind,
brought light to begging Bartimaeus,
that You might teach that You are light,
that Your way is free from all darkness.
Son of David, You are God's own Christ,
shining and scattering the darkness.

We do not battle mere flesh and blood;
we war against this world's spirit,
powers of darkness in high places.
We have no weapon but Your light;
it destroys the fortresses of death.
We were blind; You gave us pure light,
You made crooked paths straight before us.
Take courage, O Church, and rise up!
Your Lord by grace is calling for you.
Given sight through faith, now follow Him,
shining and scattering the darkness.