Ordinary Time

Pause

How do we need to be healed?

For our physical selves and in our inmost hearts–

For our individual lives and in our families–

For our schools, neighborhoods, and communities–

For our countries and across continents–

From the depths of the ocean to the moon and back–

We pray:

God, show us mercy.

Listen

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him forward.”

They called the blind man, “Be encouraged! Get up! He’s calling you.”

Mark 10:49

Think

What makes a miracle?

Is it only the Happily Ever After, or is it also a miracle every time an indifferent crowd suddenly notices those who live at the fringes?

I have a hunch Jesus didn’t actually see the blind man, but only heard the voice shouting for mercy. If he’d been near enough to see Bartimaeus, surely he’d have summoned him personally. Instead of speaking to the blind man directly, he told those following him to tell Bartimaeus to come. A moment before, the crowd was saying “Shhhh!” But at Jesus’ command the crowd became the mouthpiece, the messenger communicating Jesus’ invitation: “Get up! Come on! He’s calling you!”

The crowd called Bartimaeus forward. Maybe they even made an opening for him to get by, perhaps guided him with hands on his shoulders, helping him make his way.

Is it a miracle every time we encourage someone to answer Jesus’s call, every time we make a way for healing?

Nikki Finkelstein-Blair

Pray

Let me see miracles, God, especially in moments of surprise, when fear and anger and rejection turn to faith. In every change of heart, help me to recognize your healing. Amen.

Go

Follow Jesus’ invitation: Seek, and find mercy.

Ask, and share in healing.

Gather, and join in praise.

Go, and be overjoyed.

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