Reflection for 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time (B) – October 28, 2018
Reflection:
I think we can all agree that when we are gathered here in the rehearsal room, with full energy and excitement, we are capable of reaching a pretty high volume level. Imagine it at full capacity, with the buzz of conversations rising into a clamor of sound. Do you think you could hear someone on the other side of the room calling out to you? Would you stop to listen?
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is traveling in a “sizable crowd,” yet through that noise, he still hears the call of Bartimaeus. He hears him, a blind man who begs on the side of the road, crying out for him, and he cares enough to stop and listen. Jesus does not go to Bartimaeus, but calls Bartimaeus to himself. As if stopping to hear Bartimaeus’ call isn’t merciful enough, Jesus gives this man the chance to present his desire directly and to be heard, even if Jesus already knew the desire of his heart.
This presents us with two challenges and points for our own reflection. Who, in our community, choir, families, friend groups, halls, or programs, is competing with the noise of the crowd and calling out? Will we stop, like Jesus, to hear and respond in the midst of the crowd? Or will we, either in words or actions, tell that person to be silent, too?
On the other hand, when we are the Bartimaeus figures in the crowd, will we take courage and keep calling out in faith to the Lord, even if others try to quiet us? Will we go to Jesus and present our desires to him directly, without reservation and fear?
We call out to Jesus, but he is also calling us to spring up and run to him as well.
Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity of me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Hymn: I Am the Bread of Life
I am the Resurrection, I am the life.
If you believe in me, even though you die, you shall live forever.
And I will raise you up, and I will raise you up, and I will raise you up on the last day.
Yes, Lord, we believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world.
And I will raise you up, and I will raise you up, and I will raise you up on the last day.