Thirtieth Sunday of the Year – October 27, 2024
Jeremiah 31:7-9; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52
Duck believed Hen and continued eating the rotten fish, but
her hunger and desire for fresh fish persisted. One hot and humid day, Duck
couldn’t eat the foul-smelling fish and sat by the sea, feeling miserable.
Heron noticed Duck’s plight and asked what was wrong. Duck explained her
longing to swim and eat fresh fish but lamented that she was a heavy land-bird.
Heron then shared that he too was once unable to swim but
was driven by hunger to jump into the sea, where he discovered his ability to
swim. He encouraged Duck to try, and despite her fears, Duck eventually stepped
into the sea. To her surprise, she floated instead of sinking. Over time, Duck
learned to swim well and caught all the fresh fish she desired.
The fable illustrates that Duck was not just a land-bird but
also a sea-bird. As long as she believed she was only a land-bird, she remained
on land, suffering. The story is about Duck discovering her true identity and
potential as a swimmer, much like a flower bud blossoming into a beautiful
flower. Similarly, the story of Bartimaeus in today’s gospel is about a beggar
by the roadside realizing his God-given dignity as a human being and child of God
and blossoming into his true self.
In today’s gospel, we encounter the story of Bartimaeus, a
blind beggar sitting by the roadside as Jesus and his disciples pass through
Jericho. Bartimaeus, upon hearing that Jesus of Nazareth is nearby, begins to
cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” His persistent cries draw the
attention of the crowd, who attempt to silence him. Yet, undeterred, Bartimaeus
calls out even louder. Jesus stops and calls him over, asking, “What do you
want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus responds, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus
replies, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately, Bartimaeus regains
his sight and follows Jesus on the way.
This narrative is not just a story of physical healing; it
is a profound illustration of faith in action. Bartimaeus embodies a faith that
is bold, persistent, and deeply personal. His cry for mercy is a recognition of
his need for Jesus, and it serves as a model for us in our own lives.
Bartimaeus’ faith is remarkable. In a society that often
marginalized those with disabilities, he refuses to be silenced. His
persistence in calling out to Jesus teaches us that faith requires courage and
determination. How often do we allow the voices of the crowd—be it societal
expectations, doubts, or fears—to silence our cries for help? Bartimaeus
challenges us to be bold in our faith, to cry out to Jesus even when it seems
that our pleas go unheard.
In our own lives, we may find ourselves in situations where
we feel blind—blind to hope, blind to possibilities, or blind to the presence
of God in our struggles. Bartimaeus’ story reminds us that it is in our
vulnerability and our recognition of our need for God that we can experience
true healing. We must ask ourselves: What do we want Jesus to do for us? Are we
willing to voice our needs and desires, trusting in His mercy and love?
The crowd’s initial reaction to Bartimaeus is one of
dismissal. They tell him to be quiet, yet he persists. This dynamic raises an
important question about the role of community in our faith journeys. Are we,
as a community, supportive of those who cry out for help? Do we encourage one
another to seek Jesus, or do we sometimes inadvertently silence those in need?
As Christians, we are called to be a place of refuge and
support, where individuals can express their struggles and seek healing. We
must strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to voice
their needs and where the cries for mercy are met with compassion and
understanding. In doing so, we reflect the love of Christ and help one another
to encounter His healing presence.
When Bartimaeus receives his sight, it is not merely a
restoration of physical vision; it is a transformation of his entire life. He
immediately follows Jesus “on the way.” This phrase is significant, as it
indicates a new direction in his life—a journey of discipleship. Healing in the
Gospel is always linked to a call to follow Jesus more closely.
In our own lives, we may seek healing in various forms—be it
physical, emotional, or spiritual. However, we must remember that true healing
often leads to transformation. It calls us to a deeper relationship with Christ
and a commitment to live out our faith in action. As we experience God’s mercy
and healing, we are invited to share that gift with others, becoming
instruments of His love in the world.
As we reflect on the story of Bartimaeus, let us consider
how we can embody his faith in our own lives. Are we willing to cry out to
Jesus in our moments of need? Are we prepared to support one another in our
journeys of faith? And how can we allow our experiences of healing to transform
us into more faithful disciples?
This week, let us take time to pray and reflect on our own
needs and the needs of those around us. Let us be bold in our requests to God,
trusting that He hears our cries for mercy. May we also strive to be a
community that uplifts and encourages one another, fostering an environment
where all can encounter the healing love of Christ.
In the words of Bartimaeus, may we too cry out, “Jesus, Son
of David, have mercy on me!” And may we respond to His call with open hearts,
ready to follow Him on the way.
Happy Sunday
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