Today, those words of the crowd are being extended toward you and me. “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you!” Jesus wants to give you and me His mercy, love and healing as He did to Bartimaeus and to countless others. Jesus also wants us to encourage others to “come to Jesus.” That is our vocation in this life. Pondering this reading really affected me. I haven’t been very hopeful or encouraging, lately; but I’ve made a decision to carry hope and confidence in God as a shield.

We express our deepest condolences to Fr. John for the loss of his mother, Mary Adams. Although no words can really help to ease your loss, please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Click title for details.

Pope Francis tells us that in difficult and challenging times, [in this time of pandemic, scandal, and uncertainty] it is necessary to trust in God’s help through childlike prayer. Let us join in community, in a time of renewal, to be in Communion (common-union) with Our Lord as he sends His mother forth, to rebuild and renew our world. Let us be sent forth as missionary disciples in communion with heaven and from an earthly community of love, healing, hope and peace . . .  Let us pray . . .

Jesus replies that Heavenly recognition or rewards require one’s willingness to sacrifice and suffer in this life. James and John agree to this. Then, Jesus overturns expectations by asking all who would like to be exalted, to exalt others; by serving them, humbly, lovingly and sincerely. Are we truly serving whole-heartedly?