Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • October 25, 2024 5 MORE THAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS We are Professional Remembrance Planners Explore the many unique ways to honor and celebrate lives. Call or visit Bradford O’Keefe today. BRADFORD-O’KEEFE FUNERAL HOMES Professional. Compassionate. Dignified. 228-374-5650 • Bradfordokeefe.com Opening Remarks -- Story: My wife, Mary, often quoted the wit and wisdom of her saintly Irish grandmother, Mary McCafferty -- a beautiful, faith-filled woman who raised nine children with her husband, Michael, while managing and working a farm in County Donegal, Ireland. On praying and answering prayer, Grandma McCafferty advised, “God always answers prayer, but He wants you to be involved. If you ask for a dollar He will give you 98 cents -- and expects you to provide the balance.” According to Grandma McCafferty’s “2 cents rule,” the student cannot boast of how he/ she trusts God for an “A” grade unless study and timely completion of assignments accompany their prayer. The job seeker must prepare a resume, make contacts, and go on interviews, along with praying if they hope to get a job offer. As we will see in today’s readings, the “2 cents rule” not only relates to prayer, but it also applies to us being in harmony with God’s will. God’s Rescue Plan: Jeremiah was born a few miles north of Jerusalem, belonged to a priestly family, and was called to the office of prophet at an early age. He was a man of peace, and since the prophetic office guaranteed trouble, he resisted taking it on. His reluctance was well-founded when his own relatives plotted his death, the high priest had him scourged and thrown in prison, and he was dropped into a cistern and left for dead. To a people who rebelled against God, His prophetic message was often harsh, but seeing how much God loved, forgave, and nurtured those same people stirred him to speak words of comfort and hope and of God’s indomitable will to make Israel a holy people. In today’s first reading, Jeremiah’s words are spoken to a people battered by defeat, exile, and ruin. Those who departed forcibly, in tears, will return home joyfully, proclaiming the praises of their loving God. They did, indeed, return home from exile and gladly took all the blessings God provided but did not fulfill their part of the covenant to worship God and obey his commands. Heartbroken but still following God’s promptings, Jeremiah then spoke of a new covenant that scripture scholars will point out is fulfilled through the presence and work of Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:1- 34). God still calls each of us to conversion, a return (home) to His way and will, and patiently awaits our active consent. Those of us already complying must add our two cents by speaking with a prophetic voice to those who have either not yet heard God’s love call or neglected to respond to it. If, like Jeremiah, we are convinced that all things are possible with God -- silence is not an option -- God wants us to be involved. Jesus Calling: Jesus is our ever-present guest and host. He always shows up when called and then calls us to Himself. Today’s Gospel brings the call closer to home. It is not about some unnamed beggar on the roadside that can easily be bypassed. This blind beggar named Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, known to those around Jericho, was sitting in his usual place when Jesus came by that day. Bartimaeus’s story is personal, his healing is well-known, his faith was publically demonstrated, and his testimony is a witness to all whose faith may have been shy, held back, or struggling to exist. Another beggar would have been thrilled at the possibility of a “sizeable” crowd filling his cloak with alms. But Bartimaeus wanted more. Instead of focusing on the crowd, he was focusing on Jesus: Messiah, miracle worker, and savior. All this power potential -- how does one appropriate it? Bartimaeus called out unashamedly, unstoppably, and with full faith in action. This could be his one and only chance for a new life, for healing, and for liberation from the culture of shame -- he would not be silenced, would not hold back! When Jesus responded, he was even more emboldened. He threw off his cloak, probably the only thing he owned; it represented his former way of life and came to Jesus. Jesus saw in that gesture and Bartimaeus’ request “to see” the willingness and deep burning desire to align himself to God’s will. With the miracle of sight, Jesus gave him the freedom to do anything he wanted -- he chose to follow Jesus as a disciple. Bartimaeus’ need caused him to give much more than what was called for by the 2 cents rule . He cast off his former life and became a disciple of Christ. Does the Lord expect any less from us? For Reflection: 1. Has anyone ever scolded you for being vocal in your faith? If not, why not? 2. How have you abandoned your old way of life to become a disciple of Jesus? 3. How would you explain the “2 cents rule” to someone? For Action: 1. Someone you know is struggling with faith and trust in God. Share with them what Jesus has done in your life. Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his website: www. homilypearls.com . 1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9 Psalm: 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 2nd Reading: Hebrews 5:1-6 Gospel: Mark 10:46-52 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time The 2 cents rule! Deacon Torrell i Sunday Scripture Commentaries Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 3. Don't forget to turn back your clocks.