Contributed by Father Tim Uniac, C.R. Father Tim was ordained in 1986. Over the years Father Tim has served in parish ministry as both Assistant Pastor and Pastor. For a number of years he worked full time in youth ministry. He has served his Religious Community as Vocation Director and as Vicar Provincial. He also served his Community internationally as the Vicar General, residing in Rome for six years. Currently he is pastor of St. Francis Parish, Kitchener, Ontario. Introduction to the Word: THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME October 28, 2018 GATHERING TIME (10-15 Minutes) In the gospel reading today we encounter the familiar figure of Bartimaeus, the man whose sight was restored by Jesus as he was on pilgrimage to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem. This reading always causes me to return to my high school days, and my first real encounter with people who are blind. Long before service hours were required of high school students, in order to receive their diploma, my high school required students in their last year to have an experience of sharing faith with others outside of the school environment basically service hours, although we did not call it that. My experience was to go to the blind school in town (this was in Brantford) and spend a day helping the teachers. So off I went with very little understanding of what I would encounter. When I returned home at the end of the day my mother asked how things went. I responded awful, it was a horrible experience. Rightly so she asked me to explain. I said I found the students very rude and unfriendly, walking in the halls of the school no one said hello to me, no one seemed to even notice my presence. I explained that I was friendly, smiling at everyone, waving, nodding hello no response or acknowledgement from anyone. My mother started to laugh uncontrollably, which only made me angry. Finally, after she had stopped laughing, she explained that smiling, nodding and waving to blind people is not going to garner a response, they cannot see you doing that. Now it was time for me to laugh at my own stupidity. Only later in life was I able to give this experience some greater understanding and meaning, especially when I tried to imagine what the life of Bartimaeus was like before his sight was restored. He must of thought people rude and unfriendly, no one acknowledging his existence. In some ways he was probably lucky not to be able to see the angry looks on peoples faces, or the way people brushed him aside, or avoided him altogether when ever he sought alms or assistance from the crowds of people. Bartimaeus would have lived a pretty horrible life not to mention people would think him a sinner of some kind being punished by God with blindness. Yes, Bartimaeus was different from most people, a difference that 1
could cause others to feel uncomfortable, wanting to avoid him, not knowing how to respond to his requests for help with nothing more than silence. So I remind myself that every time I encounter a Bartimaeus in my life I am encountering God, I am encountering someone deserving of more than just my silence and angry look. To the gentlemen standing outside the grocery store asking for spare change, whose very physical look causes me discomfort. To the person standing outside the liquor store clearly soliciting spare change in order to purchase alcohol causing me feelings of disgust. To the weather worn lady standing at the intersection asking for change from those stopped at the red light, causing me to roll up my window and turn the radio up loud so that she can see I cannot hear her. To these people, to these Bartimaeus', I ask your forgiveness, for you are the face of God deserving of dignity and respect. Do not give up, keep shouting at me to acknowledge you, for you are Bartimaeus, and you too wish to follow Jesus to Jerusalem, to Passover, to salvation. Warm-up Activity (about 8-10 minutes): Spend a few moments silently reflecting upon experiences you have had with Bartimaeus the physically or mentally challenged, the poor, the beggars and panhandlers, those who live on the streets, those whose skin colour is different or whose accent you find hard to comprehend, criminals, etc. First, ask yourself what it was they were asking of you. How did you respond to their request? Share with the group any insights you have had about yourself in this regard. The Table of the Word THEME: BLINDNESS Blindness in the ancient Middle East was all to common, brought on by things such as uncontrolled and untreated infections and diseases, and the lack of clean water for bathing and purifying. Upon those who suffered blindness was added even a greater burden the notion of displeasing God and being punished. This notion is found in the scriptures, for example in Genesis (9:11), Deuteronomy (28:28), 2 Kings (6:18) and Acts of the Apostles (13:11), and perhaps most profoundly in John 9 with the story of Tobit and the man born blind. Thankfully, the scriptures point out to us that this interpretation of blindness being a punishment from God is simply not the case. We remind ourselves that in Genesis we are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26), all of us, including the blind. We are further reminded by the creation story that God existed in the darkness before the creation of light to live in the darkness, unable to see, is to live in the presence of God, for God is found in the darkness and the light. Whether blind, or able to physically see is to live in the presence of God. Leader: Aware that God calls us to move from blindness to new sight, let us seek forgiveness and grace to overcome blindness in our own lives. Lord Jesus, for the times we have failed to recognize your face on those in need, Lord, have mercy. Christ Jesus, for the times anger and hatred has caused blindness in us, Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, for time times we have been blind to your love for us, Lord, have mercy. 2
Let us pray (together) God our Saviour, from the ends of the earth you gather the weak and the lowly. You make them a great and glad multitude, refreshed and renewed at your hand. Throwing off the burden of sin, they run to the Teacher for healing. Let the faith Christ bestows restore to the church this vision of the gathering that embraces the weary and wounded of this earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE REFLECTION TIME (45 minutes) (As Christians we believe that the WORD of God we hear proclaimed each Sunday is an empowering Word, and that God is present in the Word proclaimed. This is the Word that God wants us to hear today. The dynamic of the Small Christian Community, namely, reflecting on our life story within the context of this Word, and sharing the insights of these reflections, is such that God s Spirit becomes present, and the gifts of the Spirit are experienced as empowering and life giving.) FIRST READING (Jeremiah 31:7-9) Thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, 'Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.' See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them those who are blind and those who are lame, those with child and those in labour, together; a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. SECOND READING (Hebrews 5:1-6) Every high priest chosen from among men is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honour, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, You are my Son, today I have begotten you ; as he says also in another place, You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 3
GOSPEL (Mark 10:46-52) As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, Son of David, have mercy on me! Jesus stood still and said, Call him here. And they called the blind man, saying to him, Take heart; get up, he is calling you. So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, What do you want me to do for you? The blind man said to him, My teacher, let me see again. Jesus said to him, Go; your faith has made you well. Immediately the man regained his sight and followed Jesus on the way. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Lectio Divina means sacred prayer through sacred reading. It was a popular form of prayer in the early Church. This Word proclaimed today is God's own Word, God's way of speaking to you today through God's own Spirit. So take a few moments to be quiet, allowing this Word you have just heard to touch you or soak into you as you reflect quietly on the three readings. Is there a word or thought that somehow attracts you or has your interest? If so, simply identify it and describe it in a few words. COMMENTARY: Jeremiah. Today Jeremiah speaks to the people of Jerusalem with a prophetic voice as he addresses the question of their deliverance from exile. Jeremiah speaks of the future where the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judea will be re-united. Everyone will be welcomed back from their exile, the people of Israel from Assyria, and the people of Judea from Babylon. The key point of this prophetic message is that the reunification will be preceded by a time of purification, perhaps even over a number of years. This period of purification will lead the exiled people to conversion and ultimately to a re-dedication to the covenant made with Abraham. The reunification will be marked with weeping and consolation as they walk by brooks of water, in a straight path. The weeping will not be a sorrowful sobbing, but rather an emotional experience of pure joy, so powerful that tears of joy will flow from the faces of those now freed from exile and re-united in the covenant relationship with God. Hebrews. This reading makes very clear, in a very succinct fashion, how high priests are to carry out the ministry entrusted to them. When dealing with those the reading refers to as the ignorant and wayward the high priest is to do so gently. Why? Because the high priest himself, as a human, is also subject to weakness, to sinfulness. In response to this reality, when the high priest offers sacrifice for the sins of others, he is to also offer sacrifice for his own sins as well. Mark. In this familiar gospel account of the restoration of sight to Bartimaeus we find Jesus and his disciples on pilgrimage. They are in route to Jerusalem on a road that passes through Jericho (the site of today's miracle). The road is no doubt very crowded with fellow pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, and along the sides of the road are perhaps many beggars, people with various needs, seeking attention and assistance from the pilgrims, and Bartimaeus is clearly one such seeker - Son of David, have mercy on me! With very little fanfare Jesus restores the sight of Bartimaeus and tells him to 4
go on his way. What happens next is perhaps the point of the entire miracle account, Bartimaeus does not go on his way back to his home and family, no, he followed Jesus on the way. Bartimaeus now becomes a fellow pilgrim on the way to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, and ultimately to experience the gift of salvation. With his sight now restored Bartimaeus has confidence of faith, he is ready to carry the cross of salvation. (Allow 5 10 minutes for the participants to react to the Commentary to identify a newly discovered insight). QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION: 1. (Jeremiah 31:7-9) Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob The remnant of Israel: the blind, lame, children, those in labour, the entire company, will be gathered together around the waters of new life, walking on the path that has nothing on it to cause anyone to stumble, towards the father of Israel. As they make this journey they will be singing songs of gladness a ceremonial parade if you will, where tears of joy will be shed as they experience the consolation of God. What does this image evoke in your mind and heart? Try to imagine the emotions these people were experiencing as they journeyed from the slavery of exile to the freedom of God. 2. (Hebrews 5:1-6) Offer sacrifice for his own sins Hebrews reminds the high priests that they too are human, capable of sin. This awareness of one's own sin is to cause the high priests to deal gently and compassionately with those who come before them in need of God's mercy and forgiveness. In their prayers they are to seek forgiveness for the sins of those they are charged to minister to, AND to offer prayers for the forgiveness of their own sins. What a powerful exhortation to the high priests! In your interactions with your family and friends, especially with those seeking your forgiveness, do you apply this exhortation from Hebrews to be gentle and compassionate? Is this something you find challenging to live in your life? Any example you would like to share? 3. (Mark 10:46-52) Followed Jesus on the way Did the restoration of sight to Bartimaeus open your eyes of faith in any way, even just a little bit? Bartimaeus was moved to follow Jesus to Jerusalem for Passover and ultimately the revelation of salvation. What do you feel this miracle is asking you to move towards? What new insight into your life of faith does this miracle reveal? Do you still feel elements of blindness in your life of faith? Discuss. CARING-PRAYING TIME: (15-20 minutes) 1. Word of the Week: Go; your faith has made you well. 2. Suggestion for the Week: Blindness touches our lives in all kinds of ways, some we are aware of, others not so much. We can be blind to the graces and richness that God has bestowed upon others; we can be blind to the graces and riches God has given us; we can be blind to the creative beauty of God in the world around us; we can be blind to the face of God that stands before us. Reflect upon what you think is the root cause of this type of blindness. How does one overcome blindness of this sort? 5
3. Intercessions: (Response: Lord, hear our prayer) Leader: Through Jesus, the Son of David, let us pray in faith for all God's people. That God may gather from the farthest parts of the earth a faithful remnant to proclaim and give praise to God's name, we pray to the Lord... That nations may not stumble on the path that leads to peace but walk to that goal by the straight path of justice and mutual respect, we pray to the Lord... That Christians may never neglect or silence those who cry out for help but gladly share with them the resources the Lord has given us, we pray to the Lord... That those who are bereaved may pass through their time of weeping and receive the consolations of a faith community that cares and supports, we pray to the Lord... That our faithful departed may be gathered to that great company whom God will lead to the waters of eternal life, we pray to the Lord... How can we help you in prayer this week? Let us pray (together) O God, light to the blind and joy to the afflicted, in your only-begotten Son you have given us a high priest who is just and compassionate toward those who groan beneath the burden of oppression and sorrow. Listen, then, to the cry of our prayer: May all who are in need recognize you in Jesus of Nazareth and gladly follow Jesus on the way that leads to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. With hands and hearts united in gratitude for God's favours today, we pray that all those in our influence be moved to be open to your Word and your Spirit, while we pray as one, OUR FATHER... Celebrating the Word, Resurrection Ministries of the Congregation of the Resurrection Ontario-Kentucky Province (including the former Resurrection Centre), 265 Westmount Road North, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G7. (Celebrating the Word was founded by Father Frank Ruetz, C.R. deceased 2012). The Scripture version used in this commentary is the New Revised Standard Version (copyrighted by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA). For information: website: www.resurrectionists.ca. Email: provincialoffice@resurrectioncollege.ca 6