PODCAST - Press sideways triangle below to listen
30thSunday of the Year, Cycle B
Retreat and Conference Center at Bon Secours
October 28, 2018
BLINDNESS AND SIGHT ++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø We all have blind spots, some minor, others not
Ø Usually, takes some event 2 trigger recognition that we are not seeing with 20/20 vision
Ø The same can be true at the level of faith
Ø Perhaps we could make our own, the request of Bartimaeus: “Let me see again!”
CALLING OUT TO JESUS ++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø In Gospels many cases of blind folks being healed, but this 1 of Bartimaeus is told most graphically
Ø It has a practical lesson for us
Ø He’d lost his sight & hearing J is passing by, he has to make up his mind quickly
Ø Should he just sit there quietly & let J pass him by or he could seize moment and ask to be healed
Ø All had been saying J had power to heal, but you had to get his attention and ask to be healed
Ø Bartimaeus well aware of what was wrong with him, is determined to have it cured
Ø Calls out 2 J, people try 2 quiet him, but shouts all the louder till Jesus stops and calls him over
Ø Notice although Bartimaeus is blind, J stays where he is and lets the blind man come to him
Ø If he really wanted to be cured, he’d find way to J
NAMING OUR PROBLEM +++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø It was obvious man was blind & J asks him“What do you want me to do for you?”
Ø Man has to name his problem, and do it himself
Ø 2B cured — blindness, alcoholism, depression or any addiction — need 2 NAME what I want
Ø Yes, God knows R needs & yet he says “Ask & you’ll receive.” “Father will give 2 those who ask.”
Ø B’s words simple & uncomplicated: “I want 2 C”
THE HEALING POWER OF FAITH / WHAT IT TAKES ++
Ø J tells him that his faith has healed him
Ø Man knows Jesus will not turn away from his plea
Ø What does he do? Throws aside old cloak, gets up, and runs to Jesus
Ø Old cloak a symbol for past, darkness, despair
Ø He’s made an act of hope-filled faith, and Jesus does not disappoint him
CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø Bartimaeus is clear about what he wants, knows who can help him, & lets nothing stand in his way
Ø This is why Bartimaeus has a lesson for us all
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