Clergy Notes — Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost, October 24, 2021
One of the things that stands out to me the most from the Sunday Gospel this week is the amount of initiative displayed by the blind man whom Jesus heals; he is not a passive subject but rather an active participant in his own healing. He cries out repeatedly, not being deterred by the shushing of the crowd; in fact he only becomes more impassioned.
And Jesus hears him.
This too is wonderful, for they are in a great crowd and anyone who has been in a great crowd knows how loud it can be. Hearing the man’s cries, Jesus does not run to him but STANDS STILL and calls him over. In response, the man, though blind as a bat, energetically “throws off his cloak” and “springs up”!!!
How often are we this energetic about our own healing? Are we inclined to lay around at the edge of the pool, blaming everyone else for not pushing us in, or are we actively seeking spiritual renewal? When Jesus stands still and calls us over, do we spring up energetically or do we delay, making excuses?
God does not force us into relationship, nor are we obligated to give up our spiritual blindness. Jesus stands still and beckons us because following him has to be our choice. In response, we must be willing to cast off our cloaks and leave behind the darkness of our own way to follow him, and — always —he hears our prayers when we call.
Perhaps this week we might be inspired by this passionate man whose faith made him well — may we too be energized to spring up and run towards Jesus, crying out in faith for our souls to be healed and our sight to be renewed afresh.
