Reflection - Style

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052616.cfm

1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12
Mark 10:46-52

When I hear the comment "He's all style; but there's no substance" I'm occasionally tempted to respond: "Yeah, but the style sure is interesting." The manner in which children approach adults is one area where the style/substance contest can be fascinating to watch, particularly when the substance of their observations or requests generally prove to be insignificant when you're not five years old. Me? I was a moderately shy kid raised in the antiquated past where children were supposed to be seen and not heard. The Lord probably had serious lessons in patience in mind for me when circumstances required that I approach a store clerk to make a purchase. Remember, children were to be seen and not heard --- some apparently thought that also applied even when the child was a customer.

My six year old grandson is a ready case in point of alternative styles. He approaches adults with a relaxed self-assurance that is seemingly unsuited to a person his age. On the other hand, when he has to approach himself, as can be the case when reality doesn't meet his expectations, the internal struggle reminds me of the Old Testament scene where Jacob wrestles through the night with an angel.

His younger sister presents an entirely different picture. While often exhibiting the enthusiasm of a hopped up whirlwind, her style with adults is markedly different from that of her brother. Her request is seldom laid before you with the simple display of the street merchant. No, her requests  are usually secreted in deep chambers of the heart. They must be coaxed to come out into the sunshine where they can be respectfully observed. 

With children it's almost always in their style; seldom is there significant substance. 

The people who come to Jesus in the Gospels almost always bring matters of substance, just like the blind man, the son of Timaeus, who comes to Jesus today. But the variety in the styles with which they come are extraordinarily diverse. Some come in heartfelt simplicity like the leper:

     "A leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you

     can make me clean." (Matthew 8:2)

Some come pleading in sorrow like the Roman soldier:

     As he entered Caper'na-um, a centurion came forward to him, begging

     him.  (Matthew 8:5)

Some come surreptitiously, wishing not even to be seen: 

     And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve

     years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment.

     (Matthew 9:20)

Some come in fear and trepidation, hesitant, even anxious about the turmoil that surrounds them:

     When he saw the wind, he [Peter] was afraid, and beginning to sink. He

     cried out, "Lord, save me." (Mathew 14:30)

There are even those whose style is one of persistent demanding:

     And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried,

     "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely

     possessed by a demon." But he did not answer her a word. And his

     disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying

     after us." (Matthew 15:22-23)

We also find those whose style is clearly that of one searching:

     And behold, one came up to him, saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I

     do, to have eternal life?"  (Matthew 19:16)

Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, brings to this morning's gospel account a style all his own. He sat by the roadside begging, when a great commotion arose, steadily growing louder and louder as it approached. Seeing nothing, but hearing everything, he questioned someone passing: What was going on? Upon hearing that it was Jesus, he began shouting, insistent to be heard above the din of the crowd. “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And he was so obnoxious with his persistent calling that many in the crowd told him to just shut up. And he bellowed all the more, and all the more loudly. "Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” 

At last he was heard.

The crowd was seemingly perturbed by the interruption. But at least one was patient enough to tell him: “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”

It is here, at this point, that Bartimaeus' style overwhelms us. 

     He threw aside his cloak,

     he sprang up,

     and he came to Jesus.

Indeed, there's something to be said for style over substance.

Jesus calls us every moment of every day.

What is the style of my response?