Calling

We have all experienced receiving a telephone call. The person calling needs help. We hang up and go, no questions asked.

Bartimaeus, a beggar who could not see, heard Jesus in the great crowd of people. He began to shout out to Jesus, “Have mercy on me!” Others in the crowd tried their best to silence Bartimaeus, no such luck. Bartimaeus kept calling out.

We advertise in our churches that we Welcome All. Do we really? Do we make choices, who are in and who are out? Are we embarrassed by some? Bartimaeus did not give up on Jesus, and Jesus did not give up on Bartimaeus, just as Jesus does not give up on us.

So when Jesus answered Bartimaeus and told him to go, that his faith had made him well, Bartimaeus immediately regained his sight and followed Jesus. Bartimaeus answered Jesus’ call to follow him, no questions asked.

Something for us to think about. Would we be prepared to follow Jesus? Would we follow Jesus’ call, no questions asked, to be out there in the world for others? Do we listen when God calls?

God of the call, be with each of us as we continue to share your message with all, no matter who, or where they are. Amen. — DMF