Mk 10:46-52
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth passing by, he began to call out, “Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on me!” Many people scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man saying, “Take heart. Get up, he is calling you.” He immediately threw aside his cloak, jumped up and went to Jesus.
Then Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said, “Master, let me see again!” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way, your faith has made you well.” And immediately he could see, and he followed Jesus along the road.
REFLECTION
READ: A blind man by the name of Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by and leaving Jericho. He wasted no time and begged for mercy. People rebuked him for such display of brazenness in front of Jesus but he did not relent. When Jesus pressed him about what he wanted, he asked for healing and received it that very day.
REFLECT: Blessed occasions present themselves to us sometimes during unusual circumstances, when we least expect it, when it is inconvenient and we have to compete with others for attention and when it is inappropriate to approach as dictated by convention. It happened to Bartimaeus, a blind man who spent his life in search for healing and wholeness. Jesus passed by unexpectedly with a large crowd in tow. His attention must have been into many things at once. But Bartimaeus was desperate; encumbered by his blindness, he could not find his way towards Jesus. So he let his voice catch Jesus’ attention. Others began to rebuke him but it made Jesus aware of him. This in turn led to his healing. If we could not find our way to Jesus because of our spiritual blindness, our voice can call His attention to ourselves.
RESPOND: Have I prayed my way lately to the Lord? Do I really pray for that which I need the most? Perhaps a quick look at my prayer intentions will help me clarify whether I truly ask for those that matter most or not.
PRAY: Father, purify my intentions. Let my prayer be of those things that truly matter. Let me not wander around begging for things that are mundane and unimportant. May I only ask for those which I am most in need of. In the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
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