Mark 10:46-52 Your Faith Has Saved You

In Today’s Gospel we hear Bartimeus begging for mercy from Jesus Christ.  Bartimeus know that Jesus could offer more than what he could receive through ordinary begging of alms.  He is not only one man, but represents us all who beg for the Lord’s mercy.  In this misery of life we are told like Bartimeus, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”  How extraordinary that love of God that he hears us and calls to us first have courage, then to get up and meet him because he is calling to us too. 

In the story today, Jesus asks Bartimeus, “What do you want me to do for you?”  It is the same question that Jesus asked James and John when they asked him for a favor.  To Bartimeus comes a more positive answer when he asks to see.  “Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.”  Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.”

Because Jesus hears Bartimeus and calls out to him, we know that we too are permitted to beg mercy and petition the Lord.  We desire that salvation that following Jesus leads us.  “Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk
so that through it you may grow into salvation, for you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 PT 2:2)  We need that rich nourishment that will help us grow in our faith.  To Bartimeus he gives this with sight in this world, but also the sight to see the Messiah in his glory through this miraculous gift of mercy. 

In this year of Mercy we are reminded that his gifts of life and healing are for all.  Do we hear the cry of the poor in our busy world? How do we hear the cry of the poor? Sometimes we are so blinded by what we see, that we can’t see, can we?   

St. Philip Neri’s feast is today.  He was known for his devotion to listening to the poor and burdened at all hours, day or night.  To help others, to help them not sin, this is how he heeded to Lord’s call to serve. He did it with joy and laughter.  He was known for his sense of humor and beloved by all for it.  His suffering and burdens were not difficult, but light because he was given the sight of seeing salvation.  He shared with this love, and mercy to make those whose lives he served less burdensome and joyful.  He recognize Jesus in others.  Let us pray for sight that we too may spread God’s loving mercy to others in need, recognizing Jesus in everyone we encounter.  We ask this through Christ out Lord. Amen.

Matthew 9:27-31

In today's Gospel two blind men are following Jesus begging for his mercy and pity.  Jesus asks them, "Do you believe that I can do this?"

This Advent season we are preparing ourselves to receive Christ as the hope of the world.  Do we believe that he can do this?  Faith is a gift of God the Father through the Holy Spirit.  Christ Jesus stands knocking at the door of our hearts ready to lead us through the gates of eternal life should we seek him.  For those who follow Jesus as the blind men did, seeking to see the eternal Kingdom, the Lord will reveal it "according to your faith."  For these men, their eyes were opened. 

Jesus warns them, "See that no one knows about this."  We are told that "they went our and spread the word of him through all the land."   Did they miss the point?  When we receive a gift, do we focus solely on the gift, or the giver?  Perhaps that is Jesus is really warning of overlooking the One, The Father in Heaven, who has given them the ability to see and to attain the Kingdom and its eternal life, by instead focusing on the fact that Jesus has restored their sight.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Let us focus on that as we prepare to meet the coming of Christ this Christmas.

Matthew 15:29-37

In today's reading Jesus goes up the mountain where those who are poor in spirit, those who are outcasts such as the blind, the lame, mute, etc. have come for healing.  Jesus is touched and says, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.  I do not want to send them away hungry."  Jesus then takes seven loaves and five fish, blesses them and the feed the crowds with seven baskets left over. 

Jesus first goes to the mountain.  Mountains have been used as a meeting place with God throughout history.  Jesus is man yes, but also the Christ, the door keeper who ushers us through the door to God, so we find it appropriate that he is gathered with those who are humbled, meek, and the poor in spirit.  He consoles them, he forgives them their sins, and heals them.  Are they just healed in body?  No, Christ heals the soul, the spirit, too.  As we read today's Gospel we are called to that mountain too, to be healed and made whole, to be purified and ready to meet God. 

Ask yourself, What do I need healing in my life?  Is there something physically wrong with me, or does it mask a deeper pain?  Is there something that I can find healing through in an Anointing of the Sick or through the Sacrament of Reconciliation?  In both there is great healing if we are open to it.  Perhaps this can be part of our Advent journey?