Today we join with parishes around the world in celebrating World Mission Sunday. As we wait with baited breath and earnest prayer to hear what will happen to the missionaries who are being held hostage in Haiti, we are reminded of the courage that missionaries have displayed down through the ages as they go to the ends of the earth to proclaim Jesus’ message of salvation to all people. It is a good opportunity for us to reflect on the special call we have all received at our baptism – to be missionaries ourselves – and a time to reflect on the challenges we face right here in our families, our neighborhood and our country as so many turn away from their religious affiliation and get caught up in secularism, humanism, materialism and individualism. Contrary to what some may think, Christianity is not losing out to Muslims, Hindus or nones – that is, those who claim no religious affiliation. Surely, numbers are dropping among the more affluent, but Christianity is flourishing in Africa, Asia and South America. Nearly 1/3 of the world’s population is Christian – this percentage has remained steady for over at least the last 55 years. I can attest to that since I’ve been keeping a close watch on it ever since I entered the seminary in 1966. And, as the former director of the archdiocesan Mission Office, I can also attest to the strength of our faith in so many parts of the world where people are more aware of their dependence on God. Unfortunately, there are so many right here in America and in Western Europe who have bought into the lie that we are in charge of our own destinies and we can find true and lasting joy right here on earth. Frank Sinatra’s famous song, “My Way,” first performed in 1969, embodies that belief. Some of his lyrics are particularly troublesome: I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway; I did it my way.”
We gather here around our Lord’s Table because we realize that it is only in God that we find true and everlasting joy and that God is in charge. The readings for this Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time are so appropriate in revealing the life-changing joy that can come to us as followers of our Lord and Redeemer. We meet Jesus as he is traveling with his disciples and, as we hear in the gospel, a sizable crowd of people who apparently want to stay in his company. Like so many around the world today, they are poor and oppressed and are looking for someone who will care for them. They are very aware that they are not in charge of their lives. They have found this care and concern in the words and actions of Jesus. They pass a blind man sitting by the side of the road begging. His name is Bartimaeus. It is clear that he has already heard of Jesus and his miraculous power since we hear him shout out, acknowledging Jesus as the Son of David and asking for His pity.
The people try to quiet him; after all, he is loud and annoying and trying to get Jesus’ attention; they want him all to themselves. Besides, he is a social outcast since he is blind. You will remember that the people of that day believed that someone who was afflicted with a disease or disability was being punished for a sin that he or his forefathers had committed. But Jesus hears Bartimaeus and tells those around him to bring him to him. Next, we hear about a flourish of activity as Bartimaeus throws aside his cloak, springs up, and comes to Jesus. Jesus asks him: “What do you want me to do for you?” The seemingly blind man replies, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus’ response is a little curious. On other occasions, we have heard about Jesus spitting on the ground or in the blind man’s eye, or forgiving someone’s sins as he prepares to heal them. Here, however, Jesus simply tells Bartimaeus, “Go on your way; your faith has saved you.” And, immediately he receives his sight and follows Jesus on the way; this is a phrase used by the early Christians to speak of those who were following Jesus – they were “on the way.” This man, a blind beggar, a social outcast, was able to see more clearly than many who were following Jesus; even more clear in his vision that the disciples, two of whom we heard last week were only concerned about sharing in our Lord’s glory. Bartimaeus was able to see with eyes of faith that Jesus was the Messiah and trusted Him to heal his physical blindness. The way he jumped up to run to our Lord and then instantly followed Him when he received his sight reveal just how much Bartimaeus rejoiced, not only in having his eyes opened, but also in encountering his savior. Unlike many who believe but keep their faith to themselves, Luke’s account of this event reports that Bartimaeus followed Jesus, giving glory to God.
We know that we need Jesus in our lives. Like Bartimaeus, we recognize Jesus as the anointed one sent by God to save us. He has overcome the power of sin and heals our spiritual blindness. On this World Mission Sunday – also, and you will hear a little more about this after communion, Stewardship Sunday in our parish – let us rededicate ourselves to giving glory to God every day of our lives. And, let us help to spread this Good News right here in our parish and to the ends of the earth through our prayers and financial assistance to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and our annual Stewardship Appeal. Our generosity to the missions on this Sunday, combined with what is offered in churches and chapels around the globe, join us to the efforts of missionaries who proclaim the Gospel and serve the poor in our name. And, your generous contribution to our Stewardship Appeal will help to ensure that our parish will continue to be a community of strong, faithful followers of our Lord – he is the one, true high priest who can lead us on the way to eternal salvation.