Daily Readings - Thu Jun 01 2023
Mark
46And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.47And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"48And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"49And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart. Get up; he is calling you."50And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.51And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Rabbi, let me recover my sight."52And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the wisdom of God and the power of faith. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of the beauty and order of God's creation, highlighting His wisdom in all that He has made. It encourages us to contemplate the works of the Lord and to recognize His hand in the world around us. The reading emphasizes that God's wisdom is beyond human understanding, yet it is revealed in the intricate details of creation and the mysteries of the human heart.
The Gospel from Mark brings us face to face with the living expression of God's wisdom in Jesus Christ. The story of Bartimaeus, the blind man, shows us the transformative power of faith. Bartimaeus, despite his physical blindness, sees with the eyes of faith. He cries out to Jesus, undeterred by the crowds who try to silence him, and his persistence is rewarded when Jesus restores his sight. This miracle is not just about physical healing; it is a spiritual awakening, a call to see the world and ourselves in a new light.
These readings challenge us to examine our own faith and trust in God. Like Bartimaeus, we may face challenges that seem insurmountable, but it is precisely in these moments that we are called to cry out to the Lord with persistence and hope. The wisdom of Sirach reminds us that God's plan is always at work, even when we cannot fully understand it. Let us ask for the grace to see beyond our limitations and to trust in God's loving providence. May our faith, like Bartimaeus', lead us to spiritual sight and a deeper union with Christ.