30 May, 2024 | Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

 Gospel Mk 10:46-52

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.

Reflections:

Bartimaeus, a blind and poor man, seized a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Jesus, the healer. Despite obstacles, he persisted in reaching out to Jesus. His determination paid off when Jesus heard his cries for help. Bartimaeus teaches us that faith and persistence can lead to incredible opportunities and blessings. We should trust Jesus, keep seeking his help, and follow him faithfully because he cares for us and can change our lives for the better.

The incident reveals something important about how God interacts with us. The blind man was determined to get the attention of Jesus and was persistence in face of opposition. Jesus commends Bartimaeus for recognizing who is in the eyes of faith and grants him physical sight as well

Do you recognize your need for God’s healing grace and do you seek Jesus like Bartimaeus with persistent, trust in his goodness and mercy. Let us never fail to recognize our needs for his grace and to take advantage of the opportunities he gives us, to seek his presence daily and to listen attentive to his word. 

Activity: 

Today make a special effort to notice what blinds you from loving a particular person. Reflect on it and ask for healing