The Cloak

Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time (B) – Mark 10:46-52

He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. – Mark 10:50

At the time of the year when visions of pumpkins, candy corn and black cats dance in our heads, it may be easy to miss the context of our Gospel for this Sunday. It takes place not in fall but in early spring. Passover is imminent. Jesus and his disciples are nearing Jerusalem. This is the last event Mark gives us in Jesus’ life before Holy Week. Everything that Jesus has been saying about his life and purpose is about to be fulfilled. Jesus will be put to the test. So will his disciples.  Continue reading “The Cloak”

What Are You Looking For?

Fourth Sunday of Lent (A)

Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” – John 1:38

“I tell you, look up and see the fields ripe for the harvest.” – John 4:35

“Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” – Matthew 13:17

Seeing is believing – or so the saying goes. But is it so?

In the ninth chapter of John’s Gospel, we are presented with a story of Jesus healing a blind man, and its aftermath. Many witnessed the healing, or at least its result. Yet, many did not believe, for various reasons. How can this be? Continue reading “What Are You Looking For?”