Fr. Simon's Letter - October 24, 2021

“What do you want me to do for you?”  is the question Jesus poses to Bartimaeus, the blind man who calls out to him. Last week, in the gospel, James and John came to Jesus with a request, ‘Teacher we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you’ and Jesus responded with a question, ‘what do you wish me to do for you?’

Bartimaeus was a blind beggar, and he was on the side of the road as the world passed him by. Jesus did not pass him by. When he heard him shouting, he stopped. Whenever Jesus heard someone in distress, however busy he was, he stopped, he did not pass by on the other side. Then Jesus called Bartimeaus from the margins into the middle of the crowd and made him the center of attention.

It seemed obvious what the blind man needed, but Jesus still asked, ‘What do you want me to do for you?' Jesus restored his sight but gave the credit for the miracle to the man himself, ‘Your faith has saved you.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Go!’ Jesus made no demand of him nor did he make Bartimaeus feel that he was now indebted to him; Jesus left him totally free to go his way. Bartimaeus chose to become a follower of Jesus. He was no longer alone on the side of the road. Rather, he was on the road with Jesus making his own unique contribution.

From the beginning to the end of this story Jesus shows us how people need to be treated if they are to grow and flourish, become their best selves and make their contribution in life. We can judge a community or a country by the way it treats people like Bartimaeus. God is at work in a community when its neediest members are made the center of attention. They are treated with respect, their voices are heard and their needs are met. Their giftedness is recognized and fostered. They are given the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest and to put their talents at the service of others.

In the past month, ‘Building Peaceful Bridges,’ an organization that works to assist refugees integrate into American society has reached out to us for help. One of the many immediate needs of the refugees is winter clothing. As you prepare for the upcoming winter months and bring out your winter wear, if you find a coat or winter jacket that no longer fits you but is still usable, please bring them to our winter coat drive on the weekend of November 13 & 14. There will be volunteers in the vestibule of the basilica to collect your donations. This is one possible way for us to respond to those crying out for help. If you choose to respond to their many needs in other ways you can do so by visiting their website buildingpeacefulbridges.org. Thank you for your participation in this corporal work of mercy.

Blessings!