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 said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” At once he was able to see, and he began to follow Jesus on the way.

Mark 10:52

Think

Not every faithful blind person receives sight.

Not every faithful sick person gets well.

Not every faithful grieving person feels comforted, and not every faithful hurting person gets healed.

Maybe sight, wellness, comfort, and healing are miracles.

Or…

Maybe the miracle is also when we use our voices, seek out mercy, and confess our needs – and make ways for others to do the same.

Bartimaeus was bad at following instructions. His miracle happened, he got his sight, and Jesus told him to “Go.” But instead of going, Bartimaeus came along, joining the crowd of disciples following Jesus on the way.

Maybe the miracle is every time our faith leads us to following Christ’s way – whether or not we get what we ask for.

Nikki Finkelstein-Blair

Pray

God, help me to remember that when you say “Go,” you also mean “Come,” because everywhere I go is with you. You invite me on the way of healing. Give me courage to join you. 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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