“Bartimeus stands for all of us spiritual seekers, all who hope against hope that there might be [another] way to live.” - Bishop Robert Barron
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This week on Oro Valley Catholic Podcast:
Following Jesus on the Way Through a Desacralized Culture
"Mark 8-10 is a teaching about discipleship bracketed by the healings of two blind men, that last of whom, Bartimaeus follows Jesus on the way to Jerusalem. Surrounded by enemies who would kill him, Jesus leads his disciples through a world where God is marginalized."
Synod on Synodality
The Synod on Synodality is a two-year process of listening and dialogue . The synodal process will conclude in 2023.
Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: “It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium.”
This journey, which follows in the wake of the Church’s “renewal” proposed by the Second Vatican Council, is both a gift and a task: by journeying together and reflecting together on the journey that has been made, the Church will be able to learn through Her experience which processes can help Her to live communion, to achieve participation, to open Herself to mission.
Paul Guertin and Pastoral Council are working on preparing for our Parish Synod. More to come soon!
Great News!
Fr. Rudy should be returning to our parish this upcoming week!
Resources for families for liturgical living.
November's resources will be released on Monday, October 25, 2021.
October 30th, 5:00 - 8:30 PM
Trunks with treats, costumes, prizes for best decorated trunk, music and food!
Don't forget our Haunted House in the Parish Hall.
November 6th
4:00 PM
November 13th
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
I Want to See!
How should we "see" the world? Is the culture our enemy? Should we retreat from the world at all costs, or should we just blend in, "be nice," and not make waves?
"Son of David, have pity on me!" the blind Bartimeus calls out in our Gospel this weekend. Jesus summons Bartimeus, inviting him to rebirth and transformation. "Throwing off his cloak" is the symbol of throwing off his old life and his old desires. Jesus never compels but asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" The man wants to see. Jesus heals him, physically, but also at the level of his soul, and sends him forth into the world.
Jesus fulfills the Old Testament promise of Jeremiah that the exiles and remnant will be gathered back together; the lame will walk and the blind will see! Any first-century Jew would not have missed what Jesus was doing. But beyond being a political messiah, Jesus is after healing the world down to the root of sin, if only we give ourselves over to his saving power.
Get a glimpse of how Catholics understand our role in the modern world with poet, actor, and friend of Word on Fire Jonathan Roumie from our newest series, Catholicism 101:
Questions for Additional Reflection:
- Where do you feel "blinded" by sin? What is clouding your soul?
- Do you believe that Jesus can truly heal you today in the present moment? Pray for that healing!
- What insights did you learn about how Catholics are called to live from the video this week?
