Church of the
Annunciation

Bartimaeus is a blind beggar who cries out: “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” Many rebuke him to be quiet but he cries louder. Jesus stops and says: “Call him.” They do: “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” Bartimaeus jumps up and with the help of others, comes to Jesus. Jesus asks: “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replies: “Master, I want to see.” Jesus grants his request and Bartimaeus, now seeing, follows him “on the way.” What we have here in the Gospel according to Mark is more than a healing. It is a model or pattern of initiation in the early Church. Like Bartimaeus, converts or catechumens express interest in getting to know or meet Jesus. The community takes on a primary responsibility of extending the invitation of Jesus to the inquirer and then bringing him or her along slowly so the person will be able to say: “I want to see.” Baptism is the Sacrament of Illumination. Today we celebrate the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming before/during the 10 AM Mass. Annunciation is blessed to have four catechumens and one candidate. Together we pray that God will lead our catechumens (Jessica, Ken, Krystal and Amanda) to the baptism of new birth; and our candidate (Heidi) to a deeper share in the paschal mystery. May they find in us, in our community of faith, the warmth and witness of Christ’s love.