Which are the voices/things/people rebuking me to remain silent in proclaiming the Christ to the World?

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 8th Week -  Thursday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 10:46-52*

*First Reading - Sir 42:15-25*

*Which are the voices/things/people rebuking me to remain silent in proclaiming the Christ to the World?*

*And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.*

*1) The threat of the Crowd*

Bartimaeus the blind man was crying out to Jesus to receive a favour from the Lord. 

As Bartimaeus was crying out Jesus to have pity on him, and to be heard by Jesus, the crowd rebuked him to remain silent 

The crowd thought it was nuisance. So they rebuked him to remain silent 

*2) If Bartimaeus remained silent what would have happened?*

If Bartimaeus was to remain silent, he would have lost a golden opportunity of meeting Jesus and getting a great favour from the Lord. 

The crowd also would have lost the opportunity to the power of Jesus and the great miracle which took place in thier presence 

The crowd also would have lost the opportunity to witness, *if there a will there is a way to come out* from the life of Bartimaeus

Finally the crowd also got an opportunity to witness, how to be thankful to God, how to pray even in the midst of struggle and to carry out our mission from the life of Bartimaeus

*3) Bartimaeus' persistence in crying out Jesus*

Bartimaeus didn't care anyone to those who were rebuking him to be silent. He was determined to cry as loud as possible in spite of the threat from the crowd. 

His persistence also shows that he may not get this opportunity again. So he needed to use this occasion to change his life 

His persistence in crying also shows his faith and confidence in Jesus. 

*4) Jesus hears the genuine cry of Bartimaeus*

No one told Jesus about Bartimaeus. 

Even though there was a big crowd which was following Jesus along with a loud noise, still Jesus could hear the cry of this poor blind man 

This shows that God is ever ready to hear the genuine cry of the poor, and ever ready to come to their aid. 

*5) Jesus answered to the cry of Bartimaeus*

The genuine cry of Bartimaeus did not go in vain. 

The cry of Bartimaeus, finally made Jesus to stop and to restore the eye sight

This shows that God not only hears the every genuine cry of the children, but answerers them in a positive way 

*6) The possible things/voices which rebuke us to remain silent in crying out the Lord?*

Like the crowd which rebuked Bartimaeus to remain silent from crying to Jesus, in our life too the following things can at times rebuke us from crying out to Jesus 

Our slavery to sin 

Laziness and easy way of life 

Life, governed by the worldly standards

Pride, arrogance, revengeful attitude, anger, selfishness, greed etc 

Attachment to some things, places, people and our own thinking pattern may affect us  

*7) Bartimaeus fervour and my motivation*

Bartimaeus' fervour, interest or determination was so strong that it didn't allow him to sit idol, until he could achieve what he wanted to achieve 

What about my fervour? What about my interest? What about my determination? 

 Am I in any way close to Bartimaeus? 

*8) Am I ready to act like Bartimaeus?*

Bartimaeus is a great model for all of us, in exhibiting a great courage, confidence, a positive approach and strong faith in the Lord

Am I ready to imbibe these great Christian virtues from Bartimaeus? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*