MESSAGE 27 October – 23rd Sunday after PENTECOST YEAR B
THEME: This week reveals the importance of restorative relationships in our experience of God’s restoration, and in the quest for a world of justice, peace and love.
What do you want me to do for you? What do you need? Jesus is asking a question that is still transforming lives today. What is the Church today listens more and pronounces less. Serving the community without assuming what people need.
Job 42:1-6, 42:10-17
Themes:
Humility and Repentance: Job’s acknowledgment of his limited understanding and his repentance highlight the importance of humility before God.
Restoration and Blessing: God’s restoration of Job’s fortunes signifies that after trials and tribulations, there can be renewal and greater blessings.
Application:
Embrace Humility: Recognise our limitations and be open to learning and growth. This can help us build better relationships and make wiser decisions.
Seek Restoration: Trust that difficult times can lead to personal growth and eventual blessings. Stay hopeful and resilient through challenges.
Psalm 34:1-8
Themes:
Thanksgiving and Praise: The Psalmist’s gratitude for God’s deliverance encourages us to be thankful for the blessings we receive.
Divine Deliverance: Assurance that God delivers the righteous from their troubles.
Application:
Practice Gratitude: Regularly take time to reflect on and give thanks for the positive aspects of your life. This can improve mental well-being and foster a positive outlook.
Trust in Divine Help: In times of trouble, seek comfort in faith and trust that you will find a way through your difficulties.
Hebrews 7:21-28
Themes:
Eternal Priesthood of Jesus: Jesus’ role as an eternal intercessor for humanity.
Once-for-All Sacrifice: Jesus’ sacrifice is complete and sufficient for all time.
Application:
Seek Intercession: In moments of need, remember that you have a constant intercessor in Jesus. This can provide comfort and strength.
Understand Sacrifice: Reflect on the significance of selfless acts and how they can bring about profound change. Strive to make meaningful contributions to others’ lives.
Mark 10:46-52
Themes:
Faith and Healing: Bartimaeus’ faith leads to his healing.
Persistence in Seeking Jesus: Despite obstacles, Bartimaeus continues to seek Jesus’ help.
Asking and Listening: Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?” emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing specific needs.
Application:
Cultivate Faith: Maintain faith in your beliefs and values, especially during challenging times. Faith can be a source of strength and guidance.
Be Persistent: Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Keep striving towards your goals and seeking help when needed.
Listen and Respond: In your interactions, ask others what they need and listen attentively. This approach fosters better understanding and more effective support.
Overarching Theme: Listening and Serving
Themes:
What do you want me to do for you?: This question encourages us to listen more and assume less about others’ needs.
Serving the Community: The Church’s mission to serve without assumptions mirrors the call to understand and meet the true needs of those around us.
Application:
Active Listening: In your daily interactions, practice active listening. This means fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what others say. It helps build trust and stronger relationships.
Community Service: Engage in community service with an open heart and mind. Instead of assuming what others need, ask them directly and be willing to adapt your support accordingly.
Empathy and Compassion: Approach others with empathy and compassion. Try to understand their experiences and perspectives, which can lead to more meaningful and effective support.
By integrating these themes into our daily lives, we can foster a more compassionate, understanding, and supportive community. How do these ideas resonate with you?
Let us pray:
God, our Healer, give us the courage of blind Bartimaeus, to cry out to you when we are in need; give us the wisdom of Job, to know when we have overreached and our cause is lost; give us the confidence of the psalmist, to sing your praises and magnify your name. Grant us the wisdom, O God, to seek from you what is of real value— what will truly make us well, what will truly make us whole, what will truly give us peace. Amen.