Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 10:46-52
Opening our eyes to the needs of others

In Mark 10:46-52, we encounter the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who cries out to Jesus for healing. Despite being rebuked by the crowd, Bartimaeus persists, and Jesus responds to his faith, restoring his sight. This passage highlights both the importance of faith and the power of persistence, even in the face of obstacles.

Pope Francis emphasises the need to listen to those on the margins, the “existential peripheries,” as he calls them. Bartimaeus represents the marginalised—voiceless, disregarded by society. Yet Jesus hears his cry. Pope Francis reminds us that the Church must be a place where the cries of the poor, the sick, and the forgotten are heard. His teachings, and more importantly, through what he does, through his gestures, the pope challenges us to go beyond our comfort zones and reach out to those in need, just as Jesus did with Bartimaeus.

In today’s world, we face many forms of blindness. Social injustice, environmental destruction, and spiritual complacency can cloud our vision. Like Bartimaeus, we must recognise our need for healing and have the courage to call out to Jesus. Pope Francis continually warns against the “globalisation of indifference” that dulls our compassion and allows us to ignore the suffering around us. We are called, like Bartimaeus, to cry out for mercy—not only for ourselves but for a world in need of transformation.

This Gospel passage invites us to deeper faith and action. Just as Bartimaeus received new sight and followed Jesus along the way, we are called to let Jesus open our eyes to the suffering and needs of others. With renewed vision, we can respond to the challenges of our time, working for justice, peace, and the healing of creation in line with Pope Francis’ vision for a more compassionate and engaged Church.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024