A few small tidbits for this weekend.
First, as Bartimaeus continues to be in my mind, I imagine how he, a blind man, was persecuted. For help, he cried out, "Jesus, son of David, have pity on me." And what did some of the members in the crowd respond? “And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.” What?! Praise God, Jesus stopped walking, spoke to him and then healed his blinding.
Second, as a Catholic, you, too, may have experienced persecution for your faith. No matter what type of oppression you have experienced, whether our morality, belief, dark events in our history, our recent sex abuse scandal or just believing in Jesus Christ, I am guessing that everyone has been rebuked or diminished. Each of you may have different triggers, like your emotions—sadness, angry or loneliness—and you may be looking for some answers. While we must pray, seek God’s mercy and focus to our Savior, here is two quick verses that can channel your experience back to Christ:
· “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12)
· “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John15:18).
Third, please go vote on Tuesday!
Finally, to you hunters, know of my prayers with success, health and safety, and make it to Mass!
God Bless!
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