Today's Gospel Reading - Sunday, October 28, 2012 with Reflection

1^ST READING - Jeremiah 31:7-9

P S A L M - Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

R: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

1 When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. (R) Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. (R) 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert. 5 Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. (R) 6 Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. (R)

2^nd READING - Hebrews 5:1-6

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

Mark 10:46-52

46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. 47 On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, he is calling you.” 50 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51 Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” 52 Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

SABBATH

THE COURAGE OF FAITH AND HOPE Today’s Gospel passage reminds me of the blind masseurs I sometimes go to when I feel the need to relax and unwind. Some are rookies, with unsteady and unsure hands, trying as much to locate sore and tense muscles as to find a way to eke out an honest living. Most are good and capable of not just soothing aching backs but restoring sore and tense muscles back to supple newness. They are experts in what they do. What their eyes cannot see is compensated by what their hands can touch. They feel knotted and sore limbs just as soon as their hands get to work. They are in their best element doing what they trained themselves to do, for as long as they are in familiar territory. The confidence that they have while plying their trade is often replaced by hesitation and trepidation once they set foot on unfamiliar ground, especially when they have to brave the crowded streets to go back home late into the night. I greatly admire them. Their courage and grit ought to put people with normal use of all five senses to shame. This same courage is what the blind Bartimaeus teaches us. When he heard that Jesus was coming to town and felt the growing excitement of the crowds, he mustered the courage and prayed out loud, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” Evident in his faith-filled and trust-filled cry for mercy is his courage and boldness. The blind man was in his best element. He knew whom he was praying to. He knew Him in whom he believed. He had courage and was bold enough to ask the “Son of David.” His was more than just a plea but a courageous prayer born of faith and hope.Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB REFLECTION QUESTION: Is God asking you to stand up for your faith with boldness and courage? Jesus, give me the courage to cry out to You with faith and trust that You will answer my prayer.

Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles, pray for us.

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