Sunday’s Readings: Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalms 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52
……from your Pastor’s Desk
In today’s gospel Blind Bartimaeus asks for sight. He is indeed given that, but also an even greater gift; Insight, and he becomes a follower. We have been told that God hears and answers every plea. Sometimes the answer is ‘yes’, sometimes, ‘not right now’, sometimes even – ‘no’.
What have you asked of God? How did God answer? How did you react to that? Therein lies the step of faith, to believe that God is so intimately involved in each of our lives to hear and answer every prayer, great or small and that the answer will also be what is ultimately best for us, for those we love, and for those who love us.
Here is a very good example of how to interpret God’s answers to prayers.
Prayer of an Unknown Civil War Soldier
I asked for strength that I might achieve;
…I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things;
…I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
…I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
…I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
…I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I had asked for, but everything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
After reading this initially many years ago; the first thought that came to my then young mind was: “Be careful what you ask for.” Through the years that has changed to: “Choose wisely for what you ask.” And then: ”In God’s answer… the real question is revealed.” I guess hind-sight is indeed 20/20 in 2021.
Fr. Ron
