30th Sunday - B (October 28, 2018)

“Have Pity on Me”

Mark 10:46-52

Two weeks ago, in Mark 10: 17-30, the man who “had many possessions” addressed Jesus only as “good teacher,” and asked him “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Last week, in Mark 10: 35-45, James and John also considered Jesus “teacher” and said to him, “We want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”

In today’s Gospel, the blind beggar Bartimaeus recognizes Jesus as “Jesus, Son of David” and “Master.”  He keeps calling out to Jesus, “Have pity on me.”

The blind man sees.  He gets it.  He knows who he is.  More significantly, he knows who Jesus is.  

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

29th Sunday - B (October 21, 2018)

Ransom and True Freedom

Mark 10: 35-45

Last week, a person let his possessions keep him from following Jesus.  It’s the temptation of having things in our control.

This week, the Gospel warns us of the danger of the desire for power and positions.  It’s the temptation of controlling people.

Meanwhile, Jesus surrendered even the control of his life.  He “gave his life as a ransom” to give us true freedom.   

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

28th Sunday - B (October 14, 2018)

Impossible

Mark 10:17-30

We continue with Chapter 10 of Mark’s Gospel.

Last week, Jesus taught his followers to have the attitude of a child – that of dependence on God.

Today, we hear of an attitude that is contrary to dependence on God.  The man has many possessions.  Consequently, he is used to be in control.  That’s why he asked Jesus, “What must I do?”  It’s hard for him to surrender that control and depend on God.  For him, that is impossible. 

What in my life makes me think that I am in charge, and makes it impossible for me to depend on God? 

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

27th Sunday - B (October 7, 2018)

Gratitude

Mark 10: 2-16

Jesus tells us to “accept the kingdom of God like a child.” 

Children depends on their parents for everything.  So do we on God. 

As we get older, naturally, we can, and we need to do more things for ourselves.  But we then run the risk of thinking that we are in charge, and that we do not need God.

Everything comes from God, beginning with our very existence.

 

Image source:  Charles Lock Eastlake - Christ Blessing Little Children, 1839,
commons.wikimedia.org