For Grace Moves in Mysterious Ways

In today’s Gospel we hear the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man, whom Jesus heals.  Just a little over a week ago we had the double blessing of having a Diocesan Healing Mass here at Holy Family which was celebrated by Bishop Sullivan.  Bishop Sullivan spoke to us about the difficulties of suffering and all that sickness and entails, but he also left us with a great message of hope which I wish to share with you today.

Bartimaeus, a blind man upon hearing that Jesus was close cried out to him, “Have pity on me!”  Many rebuked him, but he shouted out the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.”  None of us knew Bartimaeus, but even though we did not know him personally all of us could understand his shouting out and trying to get the attention of Jesus.

No matter what the sickness or suffering it becomes hard on people.  When we are sick or suffering it affects our physical bodies, but it also effects our inner disposition, it can take a toll on us and even those around us.  When we are sick or suffering something is missing, i.e. the wholeness of what we were meant to be.  Suffering and sickness is what happens to us all simply because of whom we are, we are human beings and it is part of nature after the fall, but what it never is – is punishment, when we suffer or if we are sick God is not inflicting us with sickness.  Yet, we may ask God why or even blame him for what has happened to us, both legitimate and very human responses.  God can handle it.

Knowing this we can take ourselves back and understand Bartimaeus’ plea, for he too was tired and worn out and knew that something important was missing, namely his eye sight.  He did not want this opportunity to pass and he was determined to speak with Jesus.

Jesus eventually called him and the first words he said to him, was not that your eyesight be restored but rather, “Go your way: your faith has saved you!”  Then, immediately after these words his eye sight was restored and he followed Jesus on the way.  What a powerful and moving scene.  Go your way, Jesus telling him to follow a life of faith, one he was probably already on.  But to hear the words from the Messiah’s lips, “Your faith has saved you,” I am sure must have been very moving words for Bartimaeus. They were healing words, both of his physical suffering and the longing he had for God in his heart.

Jesus desires that no one suffers, some are granted miracles and have their sight restored, and others are not.  This does not mean that God loves us less, for grace moves in mysterious ways (different ways) and I believe there is still much we do not understand or fully grasp, for no suffering, whether one is healed or not is in vain.  All of it had redemptive value, if not then Jesus’ suffering on the Cross would have been in vain, for no one’s story only ends with the Cross, each and every one of us, our stories will end in the Resurrection.  Remember to pray for those who are sick and or suffering in any way, and pray for their loved ones and all those who take care of them.  Especially pray to the Lord for faith, like Bartimaeus, so that we too will hear, “Go your way, your faith has saved you.”