30th Sunday in Ordinary Time - B - October 25, 2015

Lord, Give Me Sight

How does the old saying go? “Be careful what you ask for; you may get it.” Bartimeaus definitely asked for sight, but he received far more than he requested. He received faith.

MP3 PODCAST In this week’s audio podcast, we consider the obnoxious person, the “squeaky wheel.” This rude person will endure social embarrassment for a personal end. Sometimes that end is faith itself.

FIRST READING Jeremiah saw hope even in the midst of gloom. Yes, his time was dark, but YHWH would bring a brighter day. The exiles would return home.

PSALM Psalm 126 celebrated a “good day,” a time when there was plenty and when it was good to praise God. While such days might be few and far between, isn’t waiting for such a day worth the effort?

SECOND READING What does it take to be a spiritual leader? The author of Hebrews painted such a job description, then applied it to Christ. In fact, Christ was the ideal spiritual leader, for he is like us in all things except sin.

GOSPEL Marks’ gospel presents us with the story of a stubborn man, Bartimaeus. The blind man would not be silent until he achieve the prize he sought, sight from Jesus. But if found much more than physical sight.

CHILDREN’S READINGS  In the story for the first reading, Sarah looked forward to visiting her Grandmother’s house, because it meant good times. Jeremiah prophesied the return of the exiles in Babylon, so they looked forward to good times. In the story for the gospel, Tom lost his sight due to an accident. His impatience to regain his sight caused him to cry out to the Lord, just like Bartimaeus.

CATECHISM LINK  In this week’s Catechism Link, we investigate the Sacraments of Healing.

FAMILY ACTIVITY To understand the plight of Bartimaeus, blindfold family members and take them on a “Trust Walk.”