In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus foretells his death and resurrection to his disciples for the third time (Mark 10:33-34). As with the first (8:31) and second (9:31) occasions, his message is misunderstood. Instead of listening and understanding, James and John approach him and request that one of them be seated at his right and the other at his left in his glory.
So many times in life, we do not listen, which is the main cause of misunderstanding. We quote somebody, and the meaning becomes different. Because we do not really listen so many problems and misery happen.
In our situation today, farmers are landless, the poor become poorer, with basic needs not a priority of the government, and instead, corruption abounds. In times of calamity, when communities, cities, and provinces are submerged in flood waters, had the government listened, disasters of massive destruction would not be happening now!
When the ten disciples heard the request, they got angry with James and John. Jesus said, you know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers, lord it over them and the great ones are tyrants over them.
The rulers and the authorities are not doing their function as servant leaders but instead, use their power in authority to satisfy their greed and become tyrants in the end.
Our gospel this Sunday is fitting because it talks about the healing of a blind man Bartimaeus. A blind beggar sitting at the roadside waiting patiently because he heard (listening) that Jesus was passing by Jericho going to Jerusalem. As Jesus was passing with faith he kept on shouting, “Jesus have mercy on me,” in spite of people around him sternly ordering him to be quiet.
Jesus said, “What do you want me to do for you?’”
“My teacher let me see again.”
Immediately he regained his sight, he was not in darkness anymore and he followed Him.
A combination of ears that do not listen and eyes that do not see or in darkness are leaders who are not servant leaders but rulers who lord over their authority.
Let this be a lesson to each and every one of us. There is hope, let us listen, let us not be blind, there is light if we use our right to vote most especially in the Senate and Congress and party-list representatives, and, choose people who are of the people and by the people.
For the Son of man came not to be served but to serve.
Gospel reflection of Deacon Gay B. Manodon, DMD, MsD for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Balik-Tanaw is a group blog of the Promotion of Church People’s Response (PCPR). The Lectionary Gospel reflection is an invitation for meditation, contemplation, and action.
