Week of October 25-31

Mark 10:49

Fall is a wonderful season. Here in New Orleans it is mostly characterized by a minimal trace of humidity and fewer outdoor events (in comparison to simultaneous festivals in the spring and summer).

Fall also can become the dramatic pre-cursor to a dreadful season for those who struggle with darkness and uncertainty. Falling into Winter, into feelings of depression or loneliness, can prove to be unavoidable. 

The new Catholic Archbishop, Aymond, held listening circles with a few key pastors just the other week. He heard the need for more counseling and mental services. Now in our 51^st month of recovery and rebuilding since Hurricane Katrina, more and more residents have returned to their new-er homes and neighborhoods only to feel alone on their block or incomplete due to a lack of supportive services which may or may not include their local church and fellow parishioners, grocery store, doctor, dentist, hairstylist, mechanic.

This Sunday’s Good News revolves around Jesus’ interaction with a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus. While Jesus was walking with his disciples and other followers, Baritmaeus shouted to him and asked him to have pity on him. Well, the story goes on to say that Jesus asked him what he wanted and then gifted him with it. 

But we all know that. We all know that Jesus is amazing and gives us all that we need. We know that despite his seeming busy schedule amidst a sizable crowd that Jesus still takes the time to stop and be present with people despite their social status.

What is truly Good News for us this week is that once Jesus heard the cry from Bartimaeus, Jesus instructed his followers to call him. Obediently and without skipping a beat, his followers called Bartimaeus by saying, Take courage; Get up, Jesus is calling you.”

The Good News is that we are given an opportunity to serve alongside Christ. We are asked to call others, and we, in turn, encourage one another to take courage… or to be brave and walk through the fear… get up… keep our heads up, lengthen our bodies, be open to God’s grace amidst us… because Jesus is calling you.

How might you heed Jesus request to call others? How might you extend kind words of encouragement to others who have fallen but still have faith?