30th Sunday of Ordinary Times

Today we hear about a blind beggar who could actually see who Jesus is more clearly than the disciples and crowd who had been with him all along. The blind beggar is a model for approaching Jesus in faith. He persisted in his attempts to attract Jesus’ attention, even when others tried to discourage him. He told Jesus what he wanted; he was clear and specific, “I want to see.” And he believed in Jesus and his power. The blind man’s faith caused his healing. That faith was then strengthened by the encounter with Jesus. Thereafter, he followed Jesus up the road.

               Just as Jesus restores the sight of the blind Bartimaeus, so Jesus approaches us even when we are blind. In our encounters with Jesus we are given the opportunity to express our faith. As a result, our relationship becomes stronger and it becomes easier to follow Jesus up the road, that leads to Jerusalem, and finally it leads to eternal life with God.

The letter to the Hebrews reassures us that we can have faith in Jesus, our merciful high priest, who speaks to God on our behalf. And the Prophet Jeremiah had foretold an age when God would deliver and gather his people, consoling and leading them. It is a prophecy of comfort in times of distress, a promise of a better future. And, Jesus coming has inaugurated that time.

               There is a story about Satan’s decision to go out of business. He announced there would be a sale to all his tools. One by one they were sold to the other devils until only one remained- discouragement. Satan refused to sell it. When he was asked why he so refused? Satan answered, “ Because if I ever decide go into business again, that is the one I would need most of all; for, once a man is discouraged, I can do as I please with him.” Discouragement is one of man’s worst enemies, and Satan certainly knows this.