From The Bishop

As we prepare for the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which begins on December 8, 2015 the Readings of the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time help us to begin our reflection on the theme of mercy. In St. Mark’s Gospel we see Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, cry out to the Lord, “Son of David have mercy on me!” We are told that initially the crowd is stern with Bartimaeus and tells him to be quiet; however, after the Lord calls him they become much more encouraging. Bartimaeus “sprang up” and went to the Lord who told him “your faith has made you well”. In the First Reading, the Prophet Jeremiah offers words of encouragement to the people of Israel who sinned and are now facing exile at the hands of an invading force. In the Second Reading from Hebrews, all who have been ordained are reminded that we are to be gentle with those who sin because we also are sinners. It is my hope and prayer that these readings reflect what will happen in our diocese during the Year of Mercy. Like Bartimaeus, may many seek God’s mercy, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Like the crowd in the Gospel, may we in our parishes never discourage, only encourage many to “spring up” and come to Jesus. And finally, may those of us who are ordained be instruments of mercy. Let us follow the example of the Prophet Jeremiah and imitate the words from Hebrews: “He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people”.