The readings for Sunday, October 24, 2021:
First reading and Psalm
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Alternate First reading and Psalm
Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm 126
Second reading
Hebrews 7:23-28
Gospel
Mark 10:46-52
It's interesting to consider how Jesus interacts with people and how they interact with him. Most people seek him out because they are desperate. Some people ask for what they need, while others just grab onto the hem of his garment and hope for the best. Occasionally it's a loved one, intervening for the suffering one.
This gospel's story shows people trying to discourage the one who calls to Jesus. And then we see Jesus ask, "What do you want me to do for you?" We don't usually see Jesus ask this question. Jesus usually knows.
The man has an answer: he wants to see. Does he want his vision back or is he talking about a different kind of sight? Jesus doesn't ask a follow up question. Jesus declares him healed, and he is. And then the man follows Jesus.
It's worth noting that not everyone responds this way, and not everyone is allowed to follow him. Jesus sends some healed people away, with instructions to tell no one. Some don't even think to follow Jesus. And we don't know what happens to most of them. Are their lives changed? Do they fall back into old patterns? Do they come to realize they asked for the wrong thing? Do they wish they had made a different post-miracle choice? We'll never know.
I keep coming back to the question that Jesus asks. It's an interesting question, one worth thinking about. If the Divine came to you today with this question, how would you answer?
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