Homilies

30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME : CRYING OUT OUR NEEDS TO GOD

A JAPANESE PARISHIONER has once told me that most of the Japanese people would pray to God or to any God only in times of trouble and difficulties.  Well, in response, I said that it is not only true among them, but, it is usually the case for most people. In fact, in times of great needs, many would become overzealous in showing their faith.  For instance, one of my friends who used to be rational and intelligent had changed after he was diagnosed of an incurable sickness.  As a result, he joined several pilgrimages to different parts of our country. In particular, he joined Marian pilgrimages, he kissed and touched the image of the Virgin Mary and other images of saints. By those acts, he is hoping for some miracle and healing.

The blind Bartimaeus was in a hopeless situation; but not too hopeless because there is a cause for hope. When he heard that a great prophet passes by, he cries out begging for his mercy.  Jesus hears his cries and then restores his sight.  The gospel presents the difference between Jesus’ empathy with the crowds’ apathy.  The people are unaware of Bartimaeus’ feelings and needs, hence, they rebuked and told him to shut up.  The people are concerned only on themselves and their desire to be the first to glimpse at Jesus and perhaps, the first to request for their needs.  They did not care for Bartimaeus who has a greater need and attention than they. 

The crowd’s reactions remind me of my rown eaction to my friend’s display of faith.  At first, I could not accept his reason for coming to those pilgrimages nor his belief that Mother Mary could help cure him.  How I wished to inform him that his faith could be expressed now, more than ever, by submitting to the will of God.  However, I realized that my reaction came from my insensitivity to feel his pain and his desire to live perhaps for just a little longer.  I acted like one of the crowd.  It was I who should keep silent, not him. Or perhaps I should have joined with Bartimaeus and shout to God to heal him from his pain and sickness.

In many ways, we can associate ourselves either with Bartimaeus or with the crowd.  On the one hand, we can compare ourselves with Bartimaeus who is full of needs and longings.  Like Bartimaeus, let us not be afraid to show our faith even if others laugh at us.  On the other hand, there are times that we act like the crowd.  So full of many things, we think we know a lot and dictate what we want to others.  Jesus’ reaction to the situation is praiseworthy. He listens. Like Jesus, let us learn to listen.  But listening here does not only refer to our bodily ears, but, through our hearts where compassion, sympathy and love reside.  Like Jesus, may we be sensitive to the needs of others and reach out to them.

                              [Fr MHER DIMARUCUT, MSP
                                         Kyoto, Japan]

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