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In today's reading from
Mark's gospel we hear the story of a blind beggar, Bartimaeus. Like
Bartimaeus many of us came to know Jesus through what others had to say
about him. Do you remember who first told you about the Lord?
Bartimaeus knew that Jesus was his only hope. Somehow he had to get to
the Lord. He caused a disturbance, yelling "Have pity on me!" The people
tried to quiet him down, but he would not be silenced. He cried out
louder until he got Jesus' attention. When called, Bartimaeus tossed
aside his cloak, jumped up, and found his Lord. Who brought you closer
to Christ? Have you ever brought someone else to the Lord?
Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" Bartimaeus knew
exactly what he wanted. He wanted to see. Last week, James and John
asked for the places of honor in Jesus' reign? How would you answer, if
Jesus asked you that question? We might reply, like Bartimaeus, Lord we
want to see. Help us to recognize you in ourselves and in the people
around us. Help us hear your call and respond with generous hearts.
The prophet Jeremiah rejoiced that the Lord delivered his people from
all their dangers and hardships. The blind and lame, mothers with
children, all who went away sad came back rejoicing. From the ends of
the earth God gathered his people to himself. Why does God go to such
extremes to save us? The answer is in today's letter to the Hebrews. We
have a great high priest, our Lord Jesus Christ, who reaches out to all
men and women, in every generation. He calls us, heals us, and invites
us to follow him. First through Baptism and then through the other
sacraments we become conformed to Christ. The Father sees and loves in
us what he sees and loves in his Son.
Disciples follow, they observe, they learn. When we put our lives where
our beliefs are, we move beyond mere discipleship to stewardship.
Stewards take responsibility for the gospel they have received by living
it, supporting it, suffering for it. We become evangelizers when we find
ourselves sharing the gospel with others.
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