As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd,
Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus,
sat by the roadside begging.
On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth,
he began to cry out and say,
"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.
"And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more,
"Son of David, have pity on me.
"Jesus stopped and said, "Call him.
"So they called the blind man, saying to him,
"Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.
"He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
REFLECTION
"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."
How many times have we pleaded with God to help us when we are in distress? Too many to count for most of us.
A few weeks ago we were reading of Jesus curing the man that was a deaf-mute. I often wonder how it was that he was able to tell Jesus could cure him if he could not hear who Jesus was.
And the blind man on today's reading, he had his faith. And probably lots of humility. He heard Jesus coming by and cries out to be heard. In this reading, as soon as Bartimaeus is cured he follows Jesus immediately.
Do I need a miracle to follow Jesus like these men did? Do I follow Jesus because I need a miracle?
Do I recognize Jesus when He is passing by? Lord, please grant me perseverance and humility to keep seeking you despite all the distractions and obstacles I might find in the way towards You.
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