Newsletter – 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B.

REFLECTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE – by Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart

Bartimaeus’ popularity increases immediately with the attention he receives from Jesus. One minute the crowd is scolding him to keep quiet, the next minute they are reassuring him and urging him to go to Jesus.

Jesus’ gift to Bartimaeus is not only his sight but also his status in the community. By reaching out to the outcasts of society, Jesus brings general acceptance to them. How might you be able to bring general acceptance to the ‘outcasts’ at your school? What would happen if those students seen as unpopular were suddenly being given sincere attention and friendship by popular students?

Bartimaeus’ response to Jesus’ healing is to become his follower. Jesus tells him, ‘Be on your way’. Bartimaeus chooses then to follow the way of Jesus.

If Bartimaeus had been given sight, and yet failed to recognise God’s blessings in his life, would that have been much of a success story?

You have been given many blessings by God. Do you always recognise your good fortune? Are you grateful to God for all you have? How are you a success story? What response would Jesus want you to give, as a demonstration of your thankfulness for all you have been blessed with?

© St Mary’s Press
Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart (1958-2011) gained her doctorate in education from Cardinal Stritch University and was associate director of early adolescent ministry in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Previously she served for six years as the director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska. She also established “Tomorrow’s Present”, a youth leadership ministry. She was a highly regarded speak and wrote many books on spirituality and youth ministry.