Thursday of the
Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
(Sirach 42;15-25; Mark 10:46-52)
In considering his blindness John Milton wrote a
sonnet. He complained that he might be
judged as unworthy if he did not produce something worthwhile for God. Then he had the insight that God would not exact
from a person more than He enabled the person to do. Milton concluded his poem by writing, “They
also serve who only stand and wait”; that is, waiting patiently for the Lord is
also an act of faith worthy of salvation.
Today’s gospel recounts a similar tale of a blind man’s faith.
As he sits begging, Bartimaeus wants sight more than
alms. A few coins might see him through
the day, but sight could liberate him from his miserable occupation. He feels hope rising when he hears that
Jesus, the healer, is drawing near. He
calls out, “’Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.’” Recognizing Jesus as “Son
of David” indicates a preliminary faith in him.
This faith is rewarded with physical sight. At this point Bartimaeus has an insight into
the fullness of faith. Rather than going
his own way, he decides to follow Jesus.
It is known that Jesus is bound for martyrdom in Jerusalem. Bartimaeus is risking his own life to
accompany him.
All of us face difficulties in life. We should pray to Jesus to see us through
them to safety. We should also, like
Bartimaeus, not shirk from following Jesus when the situation turns even more
difficult. He is our true prize.
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