October 24, 2021: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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 on 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.

Reflection

This Sunday’s gospel finds Jesus “on the road” again, this time leaving Jericho to continue his ministry in another town. On his travels he encounters a person in need. A blind man who has the courage to call out to Jesus from his position of begging. Both Jesus and the blind man were open to this encounter and the result was healing. Each day as we “travel” through our activities, are we open to the “interruptions” that occur – interruptions that are truly opportunities to be conduits of the grace of God for others? The child who needs a hug, the colleague needing a supportive word, the workers we encounter who need a simple smile and thank you. All are opportunities for healing if we’re open and aware.

Action

Another word for encounter, the Thesaurus states, is happenstance. This week, let’s be alert for the things that just “happen” to us – what “stance” do I take? What is my attitude toward whomever I meet? Can I be just a little more conscious of how my attitude can affect another or perhaps affect the world?