Reflection for Oct. 27, 2024

Faith in Jesus compels us to  address the plight of others

by Sister Sally Ann Brickner

Jeremiah 31: “The Lord has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel. … They departed in tears, but I shall console and guide them; I will lead them to brooks of water, on a level road, so that none shall stumble.”

Psalm 126: “Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.”

Mark 10: 47 “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” Mark 10: 47

Today we hear the prophet Jeremiah consoling the Israelites who have been held captive in Babylon. God, who is faithful, will restore them to their homeland. Instead of living in a parched and dry land they shall reside by brooks of water. Those who have sown in tears shall reap with joy!

Mark writes in his Gospel about an incident that occurred as Jesus was journeying with his disciples from Jericho to Jerusalem where, as he had forewarned them, he would be put to death. On the way, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus hears that Jesus is near and cries out to him for pity, for mercy. Though the crowd tries to silence Bartimaeus, Jesus instead calls the blind man to approach him. The blind man throws off his precious cloak and, with faith to guide him, follows the sound of Jesus’ voice. Jesus asks him what he wants, and Bartimaeus says, “Master, that I may see!” Bartimaeus hears Jesus reassure him: “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” And Bartimaeus, healed both physically and spiritually, follows Jesus.

In Laudato Si’ (2015) and Laudate Deum (2023) Pope Francis directs our attention to the cries of the poor and the cries of the earth. In our day, the lives of many people are made difficult due to climate catastrophes on every continent and in small island nations. Already, millions of people have lost their lives or livelihood due to drought, fires, floods, and unprecedented storms. Some people have become exiles from their homelands. The poor, says Pope Francis, are least able to recover from disasters or to migrate to a new homeland.

With Bartimaeus, may we cry out: “Lord, that we may see!” May we beg for healing from the spiritual blindness that keeps us from responding to the plight of Mother Earth and its inhabitants. May our faith be animated by God, and move us to act in solidarity with others in order to heal our common home and to care for all God’s creatures who abide on it.

Together we pray:

• That we live our faith in ways that will benefit all our sisters and brothers and help restore the earth, our common home, let us pray to the Lord ...
• That in deep and abiding faith we raise our voices, challenging our leaders to respond to the cries of the poor and of the earth, let us pray to the Lord ...