Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(10/27/2024) Gospel Reading: Mark 10:46-52

 

“What Do You Want Me to Do for You?”

 

Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death

and brought life to light through the Gospel.

 

From the desk of Fr. Leo Alban Asuncion

     Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf, once asked a friend what she saw in the woods out of which they were emerging. “Nothing much”, replied the friend, “just some trees and some flowers.” “Oh! But there was much beauty in that woods” responded Helen, “I felt the various shape of the leaves, their different veins, the roughness or smoothness of the bark of the trees, the shape of the petals of the flowers, the size of the flower and its general contour, and I could not help admiring the wisdom of the Almighty who gave such order and variety to his creation”. If a blind woman can appreciate nature in such a wonderful way, we ought to appreciate much more the gift of sight, whereby we can also see color, shape, beauty and variety in God's creation.

     He was blind! But he wanted to see. His only hope was Jesus who was passing by. For long years he had groped his way in the streets, he was helped upstairs or into rooms by other persons, he heard them clapping when a parade was passing by, he listened to them admiring the blossoming trees, the flaming sunset, the myriads of stars at night. But he could never see them. All was dark night for him, perpetual night. He had learned to help himself as best he could, but he could not earn a livelihood, so he had turned to begging. How often people repulsed him, cursed him! They had not the least understanding or sympathy for his condition. He could not help it that he was blind. He did not know why the Lord in heaven had let him be blind. Did not all those who had the ability to see know that it was truly a gift of God? Could they not take pity on one who did not have that gift?

     But there was a ray of hope that came into the gloom of darkness. The wonder-worker of Nazareth was passing by. He could cure him. He could receive from him the gift of sight! This was his only chance. So, he cried out as loud as he could: “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” That cry made the crowd look around. To call him “Son of David” means to acknowledge him as Messiah King of Israel: Many in the crowd did not like that, especially the Pharisees. He might be a prophet, they thought, but never the Messiah! He had no standing, no education! So, they turned on the blind Bartimaeus, Jesus was his only hope. He cared nothing for the words of the crowd but cried out all the louder with increased hope and faith. Jesus heard his request. He acknowledged his profession of faith. And he restored his sight! What a joy! He could see!

     There are many physically and spiritually blind people in the world today. It is those who are spiritually blind who really need the Savior, because unless they learn to see him their sole hope of salvation, they will never see the Light that is the Eternal Day. How can they find the Light? It is up to the faithful Christians who believe in Christ, to bring others to that blessing of true Light.

*** + ***

Meditation: Have you ever encountered a once in a life-time opportunity you knew you could not pass up? Such a moment came for a blind and destitute man, named Bartimaeus. He was determined to get near the one person who could meet his need. He knew who Jesus was and had heard of his fame for healing, but until now had no opportunity of making direct contact with the Son of David, a clear reference and title for the Messiah.

Seeking Jesus with effort and persistence pays off
It took a lot of "guts" (courage) and persistence for Bartimaeus to get the attention of Jesus over the din of a noisy throng who crowded around Jesus as he made his way out of town. Why was the crowd annoyed with the blind man's persistent shouts? He was disturbing their peace and interrupting Jesus' discourse. It was common for a rabbi to teach as he walked with others. Jesus was on his way to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem and a band of pilgrims followed him. When the crowd tried to silence the blind man he overpowered them with his emotional outburst and thus caught the attention of Jesus.

Goodness and mercy follows those who put their trust in God
This incident reveals something important about how God interacts with us. The blind man was determined to get Jesus' attention and he was persistent in the face of opposition. Jesus could have ignored or rebuffed him because he was disturbing his conversation and his audience. Jesus showed that acting was more important than talking. This man was in desperate need and Jesus was ready to respond to his need, not only to empathize with his suffering, but to relieve it as well. A great speaker can command attention and respect, but a man or woman with a helping hand and a big heart is loved more.

What do you want Jesus to do for you?
Why did Jesus put a question to Bartimaeus - "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus wanted to draw out of him a personal response of faith and trust in his power to heal and make whole. Jesus commends Bartimaeus for recognizing who he is with the eyes of faith and grants him physical sight as well. Do you recognize the Lord Jesus with "eyes of faith" as your merciful Lord and healer? Ask the Lord Jesus to strengthen your faith that you may draw near to him and receive his grace and mercy.

Lord Jesus, may I never fail to recognize my need for your grace and mercy. Strengthen my faith and trust in you that I may seek your presence daily and listen to your word with a readiness to follow you who are my All.

   read more at: http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org

*** + ***