“What do you want me to do for you?”
He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Lk
18:35-43
In reflecting on the reading from Maccabees, the world today might
not be very different. We still have the social pressure to conform
and to achieve success as defined by others. With constant bombardment,
it is hard to resist sinking back into the rush of every day, going
with the flow and therefore dodging opportunities to live out authentic
faith as in the first reading.
What parts of ourselves are most tempting to hide? When is it tempting
to stay silent? These are some of the questions today’s readings
spurred for me. Each week, we leave Mass with the invitation to
“go in peace to love and serve God and one another.”
This is a lot harder to live out than it seems as I walk out the
church doors.
Our world seems very complex, the needs so overwhelming. Our small
steps are only ripples in the pond. Without a sense of clarity,
it can be difficult to act. Yet, this waiting cannot be indefinite.
The common excuses of being too busy or uninformed cannot paralyze
me from trying to do more.
I am motivated to action by Dr. Martin Luther King’s words
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things
that matter.” We have so many amazing mentors in our world
today, living examples of holiness and love for each other. These
companions show us the way. The righteous in the first reading knew
and kept the covenant, even though it cost them their lives. In
what ways am I prepared to sacrifice more for what I believe? How
do I discern what is commanded?
A ray of hope is offered through the Gospel reading, showing us
the power of faith and calling to God. The blind man, marginalized
from society, called out to Jesus in his time of need. Because he
was bold enough to ask and because of his faith he was healed. This
powerful testament motivates my prayer and my faith. With all the
turmoil in our world, it is comforting to know that I can call out
to God. Each Mass I ask for the strength and inspiration to be eucharist
to others, to nourish and reach out to those in need. Because we
have been given life, we must follow the command to serve God and
one another.
“Lord, please let me see” will be my mantra for this
week, to see God tinkering and calling to me in the world.
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