This week’s Gospel tells us about Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who was sitting on the side of the road when Jesus passed by. Bartimaeus persisted in calling out to Jesus despite the disciples trying to keep him quiet. Jesus responded to Bartimaeus, who simply asked to be able to see again. He was healed and Bartimaeus followed Jesus.
This simple Gospel, which tells us about Jesus’ healing ministry, highlights the great faith Bartimaeus had in Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus was surrounded by a large crowd as well as his disciples, many probably questioning who this man Jesus was while others proclaiming they knew him yet didn’t quite understand him. Bartimaeus had such conviction in knowing exactly who Jesus was that he was going to do all he could to be healed by Him. Even though he was physically blind, he had spiritual clarity to be able to see Jesus.
There are many times in our lives when we claim to know Jesus, yet we are spiritually blind to truly seeing him. It is very easy to become caught up in the busy routine of life which ‘blinds’ us from our relationship with Christ. As we know, this happens many times throughout our life journey.
The story of Bartimaeus teaches us to have great faith in Jesus so that we can live our lives with courage and conviction. It is this faith that is the driving force in the lives of believers and helps us to be modern day disciples of Christ. While we all face the challenges of being ‘blinded’ by the distractions of life, the story of Bartimaeus challenges us to keep our focus on Jesus Christ and to follow with determined faith.
As we go about our week ahead, let us pray;
Jesus, Son of God,
We ask that you open our eyes and reveal to us the great love and compassion that our Heavenly Father has for us, his children.
Open our minds to understand the message of the Gospel so that our faith is renewed and strengthened.
Open our hearts so that we may live our lives with courage and conviction for the Kingdom of God.
We ask this in your holy name.
Amen.