Pro-life reflections and intercessions related to the Sunday readings
In the Gospel today, the pitiful yet noble Bartimaeus meets Christ. Bartimaeus is so helpless, trusting and desperate, unashamed of his poverty; a man in touch with his real needs. Unlike most of us, he knows he is not self-sufficient; he knows his life is in need of a saving presence.
Read MoreMany theologians have noted that Christ is a kind of new Moses, who leads His disciples on a liberating journey, not from the political oppression of Pharaoh, but from the prison of our own ego. Christ came not to advance His own agenda, but the Father’s. He comes not to save Himself, but others. In today’s Gospel, Jesus patiently teaches His disciples that His Kingdom is characterized by the greatness of service.
Read MoreJoshua tells Moses about people prophesying outside the official circle of prophecy; John tells Jesus about someone exorcising demons outside the official circle of discipleship. In both cases, the disciples want the teacher to stop such unofficial actions. In both cases, the teacher replies that he is glad that someone is using the power, even if unofficially.
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