Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr
(Sirach 42:15-25; Mark 10:46-52)
Jesus asks Bartimaeus what he might do for him, the blind
man replies, “’I want to see.’” Bartimaeus
may not realize it, but he already sees what is most important. His mind’s eye recognizes Jesus as the
Savior. Today’s patron saint comes to a
similar spiritual vision.
Born into a Greco-Roman family, Justin studied philosophy
and rhetoric. Around the age of thirty having
been encouraged to read the Scriptures, he became a Christian. Justin spent the second half of his life
teaching the coherence of Christian faith and philosophy. He was martyred after refusing to profess
faith in the Roman deities.
We too possess the spiritual vision of Bartimaeus and Justin
Martyr. It is more valuable than physical
sight because it allows us to know the goodness of the Lord. He makes us better people and, when the time
comes, will save us from death.
