for Sunday, October 25,
2015, 21st Sunday after Pentecost, Yr B, Readings: Job 42:1-6, 10-17;
Ps 34:1-8, (19-22); Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52
I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know... I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes...And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job...
[Job 42:3b, 5-6, 10a]
[Job 42:3b, 5-6, 10a]
I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me out of all my terror. Look upon him and be radiant, let not your faces be ashamed. [Ps 34:4-5]
And they called the blind man, saying to him, take heart, he is calling you...Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" [Mark 10:49b, 51a]
FINALLY Job is restored and to even greater wealth and health after so many chapters of disaster, scorn, and pain. Although Job questioned God's justice and motives, he never once doubted God's power. Now he realizes he was questioning without having all the information and he's remorseful. And God lifts him out of the ashes and gives him more than he ever had. Is the message of Job perseverance? He sought God's answers and help and received both.
Certainly it is the same for the Psalmist and definitely for Bartimaeus who withstood the scorn of the crowds and persevered in getting the attention of Jesus. Then all he had to do was ask and he, too, was restored. Do I first seek the LORD when I'm in trouble? Sometimes. Do I ask for what I really need or only what I really want? That depends...but for me the lesson is clear, I should, at the very least, just ask. Through our questions, through our fears, God is with us and knows our hearts. Our faith will make us well in many ways and all we have to do is ask.
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE,
PRAY
Leader: ~ Eternal Creator, how often in our daily lives
do we forget to listen for Your voice, know Your Presence, or ask for Your help? Grant
us fresh wisdom to renew our faith and trust in You, and rejoice in Your glory
and greatness.
O Lord
our God
RESPONSE:
Let us heed Your call and
thrive in Your love
~ Eternal Creator,
strengthen us with courage to call to account the leaders in this World, our
Country, and our Community, that their actions will spur life and prosperity for
all Your people and end human causes of death and adversity. We pray especially
for: add your own petitions
O Lord our God
Let us heed Your call and
thrive in Your love
~ Eternal Creator, shed
Your healing light upon those who are weakened by serious illness or despair, and
fortify all who give them help. We
now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions
O Lord our God
Let us heed Your call and
thrive in Your love
~
Eternal Creator, lift the sorrow of all who grieve as
we commend our loved ones to You for the blessing and promise of new life for evermore.
We pray especially for: add your own petitions
O Lord our God
Let us heed Your call and
thrive in Your love
~
Eternal Creator, we pause in this
moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud or
silently…add your own petitions
O Lord our God
Let us heed Your call and
thrive in Your love
~
Eternal Creator, take the hands and guide the souls
of those entrusted with our spiritual care, that they and we may be faithful in
heart and attain salvation together. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
O Lord our God
Let us heed Your call and
thrive in Your love
The Celebrant adds: Lord God of Righteousness and Grace, help us to regain our spiritual
sight by returning to love and serve You with our whole hearts, minds, and
souls. We ask through Jesus, our Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit, our Sanctifier,
who with You are our One God, now and forevermore. Amen.
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