Reflection on Today's Readings, Thursday of 8th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1, May 27th, 2021
Texts: Sir. 42:15-25; Ps. 33:2-9; Mark 10:46-52
There is need for us to call to mind the works of God everyday of our lives. Today's first reading reminds us that calling to mind the works of God helps us to know the surpassing greatness of God. When we ponder on the works of God, we come to know how inexhaustible they are. The reading says, "The Lord has not enabled his holy ones to recount all his marvellous works, which the Lord the Almighty has established that the universe may stand firm in his glory." It is the mark of God's glory in creation that it is inexhaustible. Remembering the works of God helps us to see His glory in them all. Seeing the glory of God in them helps us to appreciate them and develop good disposition towards them. That the works of God are inexhaustible helps us to always seek and desire Him forever and untiringly; it makes us to continually turn our minds to Him.
Calling to mind the works of God makes us to know that we are laid bare before God; nothing is secret about us before Him. The reading puts it thus: "He searches out the abyss, and the hearts of men, and considers their crafty devices. For the Most High knows all that may be known, and he looks into the signs of the age. He declares what has been and what is to be, and he reveals the tracks of hidden things. No thought escapes him, and not one word is hidden from him." We only deceive ourselves when we think that we have secret somewhere. Our thoughts are not even hidden from Him. What we see as a secret God might have revealed it to someone else; for the reading says, "he reveals the tracks of hidden things". God is omniscient; He knows everything. Let us be aware of this and always do what is right; let us think no longer that there is a darkness anywhere to cover up our evil. Let us be transparent in our dealings and avoid evil.
Calling to mind the works of God makes us conscious of His active presence and guidance in creation. The reading says, "How greatly to be desired are all his works, and how sparkling they are to see! All these things live and remain for ever for every need, and are all obedient. All things are twofold, one opposite the other, and he has made nothing incomplete. One confirms the good things of the other, and who can have enough of beholding his glory?" The awareness of God’s presence and guidance in the creation gives hope and confidence to live our lives daily, trusting in His abiding presence and guidance. Hope and confidence are fruits of daily calling to mind the works of God.
The boldness of Batimaeus, in today's gospel reading, came from daily calling to mind the works of God in Jesus Christ. Calling to mind the works of God daily, he had hope and confidence that he could gain his sight by calling Him for help. His confidence submit not to people's intimidation and embarrassment. The account reads, "And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'" If we do not remember the works of God, we will lack the energy and the confidence to cry out all the more to God when it seems prayer does not work anymore. Remembering the works of God wins us the energy and confidence to cry out all the more to God when it seems prayer helps no longer.
Remembering the works of God bears bountiful fruits in our lives: it always turns our minds to God, it wins for us the grace to persevere till end in our journey of faith. Remembering the works of God keeps us spiritually alive and alert. This calls us to take seriously the words of God.
God our Father, we thank you for surrounding us with Your works, which always remind us of Your greatness and surpassing wisdom. Amen.
Fr. Andrew Olowomuke
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