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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings: Oct. 29, 2006
By Jean Denton
Catholic News Service
October 29, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Cycle B. Readings:
1) Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm 126:1-6
2) Hebrews 5:1-6
3) Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
I wonder if Bartimaeus ever had second thoughts about asking for sight. We know today's Gospel is not simply about a man being physically healed of blindness, but about seeing in a new way -- with eyes of faith. It's what spiritual scholars call discernment, being able to differentiate God's will from our own human will.
If the Scripture was only about Bartimaeus' physical blindness, I wouldn't wonder, but I do know that seeing with a "God's eye view" likely will lead to some difficulties.
A case in point: Once when I was at a high school PTA board meeting, homecoming activities were being discussed. Someone proposed that the PTA could sell mums and cash-in on the school tradition in which boys bought giant mum corsages for their homecoming dates. Everyone knew that over the years the corsages had become more and more ornate -- and expensive -- with an unspoken competition for double and triple mums decorated with multiple "add-on" trinkets.
The conversation ran too long as board members gabbed about a son's $50 tab last year or how the teddy bear had fallen off a daughter's "triple."
Finally, one somewhat agitated member stopped everyone cold when she asked, "Why are we talking about selling $40 mums when fully one-third of our student body won't be going to the dance because they can't afford a tux or even a ticket?"
Judging by the stares she got, I was glad no one had a gun.
It takes time and practice to recognize God's will in everyday decisions. It starts with knowing the heart of God by studying Scripture, being active in a faith community and following the life and message of Jesus. Then it's a matter of keeping the eyes of faith open and watching carefully for the way of Jesus in the midst of the corrupted ways of human beings.
Finally comes the hard part -- doing something about what we see.
Even knowing this, our faith calls us to continue asking to see and once we've been healed, to go and help heal our world.
QUESTIONS:
What unexpected discoveries have you made by seeing with eyes of faith? What complications arose from your insight and how were they resolved?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way" (Mark 10:52).
END
Copyright © 2006 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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