Thirtieth Of Year B
October 2006
Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting at the side of the road.
Because he was blind he was reduced to begging. All his life he had to do this, and often put up with the derision and abuse of passers-by.
He had heard about Jesus of Nazareth and when he realised that it was Jesus who was coming along the road he knew this was his only chance of a different life. So he began to shout and cry out, “Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me”. Then Jesus spoke, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “Master, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has saved you.” And at once his sight returned and he followed him along the road.'
It is well known that it is impossible to help a person who is in the grip of an addiction until that person realises their own helplessness, and that their only hope is for outside help.
Likewise it is crucial in my relationship with God that any idea of my deserving or attaining God's grace or favour by my own efforts, be completely absent from my spirituality.
My attitude to God must be one of complete thrust in His goodness and a deep sense of my own helplessness.
Then, like Bartimaeus I follow Him along the road in gratitude for what He has done for me.
A man died and approached the Pearly Gates. Peter told him he had to test people with a points system. If he got 100 points he could enter. The man thought for a moment and told Peter that he had given money to help the poor. Peter marked him down for 10 points. He thought again. He had given quite a bit in support of his church. Peter added 3 points. He had said his evening and morning prayers fairly regularly. Peter added another point. He had hardly ever missed Mass. 5 more points. Desperately searching his memory the man finally said he had never cursed. Peter added another ½ point. By now the man was getting desperate and said, at this rate he would only get in by the grace of God. Peter added 100 points and said “come on in”.
Do not try to work your passage to eternal life. It is way beyond your ability. Rather accept the free ticket, and in gratitude, be as helpful as you can to everyone else on your journey.