Pleas heard and unheard

Podcast

• Listen to this homily

Scripture references

• Jeremiah 31:7-9
• Hebrews 5:1-6
• Mark 10:46-52

Reflection

Anyone who has ever been around children is probably familiar with the scene of being in a store where an accompanying child spies something they want.  The ensuing conversation might begin innocently enough.  Depending on the age of the child, he or she might turn to the adult and state, "Mommy, I want this," but if the decision should be negative, the child will seldom give up.  Questions become pleas and may even involve crying and tantrums.

Now, I realize that this of course would never happen with any of our children, but it seems to happen often enough with others.  Persistence in asking can sometimes provoke a response, either acquiescence or escalated levels of denial.  Children often don't understand the reasons for their parents' refusals of such requests, and it leaves them stymied.

Parents aren't the only ones who receive requests of this nature.  Adults too ask questions and make requests.  Sometimes they are directed toward children, or other adults, and sometimes they are directed heavenward.  Like the request of a child, calls for help which are directed toward God can begin very simply, but they can quickly escalate to pleas if the situation doesn't seem to improve immediately.

Today's scripture passages present us with at least two such occasions at different points in history.  A blind beggar who calls out for help for himself (Mk 10:46-47) and a prophet who is instructed to call out for help for his people (Jer 31:7).  In both cases, God responds, bringing solutions which are not expected, and which pave the way for the recipient of the favour to use that gift to proclaim God's goodness.

The letter to the Hebrews reminds us that we are not alone when it comes to making our prayers known to God, whether they be in the form of praises or grievances.  Every time we celebrate the Mass, Jesus is present (Heb 5:1-3), receiving our requests made in humble supplication, and feeding us with words of consolation and with the gift of special food that sustains us.

Sharing the gifts of God with others is our responsibility, in response to God's goodness.  This responsibility begins right here, for we are called to share the food of the Eucharist with everyone who comes to the table.  This is primarily my duty as pastor, to feed every one of you who comes forward at the time of communion, but I can't do this on my own, not without making everyone wait.  That's why I count on the help of Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, some of you who help with this task.  Thank you to those who have served so faithfully in the past, to those who currently share their time and gifts in this way, and to those who may be considering assisting me and this community by distributing the Body of Christ which feeds us and gives us life.