Sunday, October 28, 2018

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (23^rd Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 25)

The Revised Common Lectionary passages for the Lord’s Day are:

First Reading: Job 42:1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22)
Second Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28
Gospel Reading: Mark 10:46-52

The liturgical color for the day is: Green

This Sunday is Reformation Sunday.  Reformation Sunday is always the last Sunday in October, marking the 1517 event when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.  The Presbyterian Historical Society provides a bulletin insert that can be used on Reformation Sunday.  You can find that link here. https://www.history.pcusa.org/history-online/presbyterian-history/reformation-sunday/reformation-sunday-2018

It is Bartimaeus and his blind ambition—he was not shy when the moment came, he called out, he sprang up as Jesus was on the path with him.

Jesus is on the same path as we are.  Jesus encounters us on the path.  Bartimaeus knew that he was not alone on the path—he did not sit there on the side of the road alone that day.  Jesus was there!  Not just anyone—Jesus was there—Jesus!

We have been trained in this rugged individualism that teaches us to make it on our own.  And while that can be an asset one of the silent messages that comes our way is that we are alone.  We start to think that there is no one we can really count on but ourselves.  Even our churches buy into this perspective.  We are connected.

Jesus is on the road with us.  As soon as we allay ourselves of the notion that we are alone, then we are ambitiously stepping into the truth of Jesus.  Jesus is with us.  Jesus is here.  We had better not forget, not doubt, and not miss this incredible moment in our life—Jesus is with us.  Jesus is with us and it is our job to let others know who are on this road too that Jesus is here.

Bartimaeus was able to seize the moment and claim the presence.  We have this moment where we are called to seize the truth that Jesus is with us.  It is the joy of knowing that we never have to travel this way or any way alone.  Jesus is with us.  Ambitiously step into the reality that Jesus is with us.