30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jer 31:7-9
Heb 5:1-6
Mk 10:46-52
When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout…
Today’s gospel revolves around the story of the blind Bartimaeus, who called out to Jesus while sitting by the roadside, begging. Obviously, the commotion attracted many bystanders to rebuke him, asking him to be quiet. Yet, at the end of the day, Bartimaeus got his way and walked away victorious with his sight restored. In today’s context, many of us would probably react the same way as those bystanders, especially if such a scenario were to play out in church on Sundays. Which makes me wonder — have we become desensitized to the need to call out to God and make ourselves appear vulnerable?
If God is omniscient and omnipresent, surely, He would know all our needs and desires. If that is true, why would there be a need to cry out to Him?
Crying out to Jesus is just one act amongst many in a whole life under the same banner: “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17) While navigating the trials of our earthly lives, humans have developed the resilience and expertise to adapt and overcome daily challenges, taking pride in our intellect and abilities to ace exams, excel in our work, invent and innovate. How much we credit our achievements and talents to God is anybody’s guess. In calling out to Jesus, we are acknowledging our helplessness and dependency on His provisions which make all things possible. By doing so, recognizing our need for Jesus has a particular end in mind — to glorify Him. Crying out to Jesus has an effect of honouring Him; to make him known, admired and appreciated, as He ought to be. And we shouldn’t just keep it to ourselves, which is why the sharing of testimonies is so powerful. It uplifts and gives credit to others who have become disheartened and desperate after their pleas go unanswered.
In relation to the second reading today from the book of Hebrews, calling out to Jesus makes perfect sense because he is also our high priest. Just as the high priest alone could enter the very presence of God in the earthly tabernacle, so Jesus, in being seated at the right hand of God in heaven, gives us this superior access to our creator. The calling of a high priest is to bring his people to God, which Jesus does, not only as a conduit, but also in prayer. Jesus brings us to Himself, and with Him to his Father. Today’s gospel is a timely reminder to myself, that as much as I recognize that many of life’s challenges require my resilience, efforts and determination, the outcome ultimately, is a matter beyond human comprehension. As the Bible iterates, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)
(Today’s OXYGEN by Dylan Tan)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help our faith to grow as we are reminded of your faithfulness that never fails. All things are possible in your name. Help us to entrust our lives with you in every moment of our earthly journey. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Loving Father, thank you for the gift of faith in your promises that enables us to fix our eyes on you as we run the race of life.
OXYGEN 
Leave a comment