To Notice is Human

It’s so easy not to notice or listen to people calling out for help, especially those on the margins of what might be thought of as “normal” living. Parents of children in poverty and those forced to use food banks, the homeless, those suffering domestic abuse, prisoners crammed into tiny cells with no chance of rehabilitation. And there are those with no voice – unborn babies, children with unaddressed special needs, old people and those with terminal illness in need of adequate care, migrants in search of a new life.

Often those off radar are told to ‘be quiet’ or ‘it’s your fault’ or ‘not yet, be patient.’

This is essentially what this Sunday gospel is about. Blind Bartimaeus calling out, “Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.” Mark 10:46. The crowds following Jesus ignore him and tell him to keep quiet. His plight in their eyes was due to his or his family’s sin.

But Jesus notices and everyone is obliged to stop while Jesus reaches out to the man and heals him with the words. “Go your faith has saved you.”

God loves everyone equally and all are called to do likewise. Yet we have to see, to hear and take notice. The light of Christ has come into the world and in this light we can reach out to others.   

Dear Jesus help me to notice those in need; may I have the courage and determination to help where I can and may I have the faith of Bartimaeus and call out to you when I need you most.