Daily Reflection – 11/19/19
Sacred Scripture
Now as Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God. ( Luke 18:35-43)
Reflection
In the story of the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, there are some deep lessons for each of us. The first is to have the faith that he did. It is the first step you and I must take to receive mercy from God. Faith is not just believing God exists; it is acting on that belief. Like Bartimaeus, we are blind until we come to Jesus. It’s not easy to believe without seeing, but that’s what faith is.
We also read that Jesus stood still and instructed the people to bring the blind man to Him. Within the next few days, He would face betrayal, arrest, torture, and crucifixion. He was a man on a Mission, yet He paused to answer the cry of one blind beggar. We may think that in the larger scheme of the entire universe we aren’t very important. But the fact is that each of us is important to God. When we call out to Him, He pauses to help us! God isn’t distracted by the millions of other voices, He always has time for us.
Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted. He asked because He wanted Bartimaeus to admit his point of need and to confess that he believed Jesus could change his life. Jesus stands before each of us today and asks, “What do you want Me to do for you?” We can’t pray specifically for His assistance until we first admit our point of need. God can’t help us until we see and admit our need, “Lord, I’m addicted to alcohol! I want to stay sober!” Or “Lord, I’ve got a problem with anger, bitterness, and gossip. I want to be changed!”
These Gospel verses teach us about the critical importance of seizing the opportunity. Today, we have the opportunity to cry out for mercy. Today Jesus will ask you and me: “What do you want me to do for you?” What will be your response? What will be my response? Open your heart to Jesus! Bring your longings to Jesus! He will not fail you!
Prayer of The Day
Lord Jesus, the blind man knew what he needed, and wasn’t afraid to keep asking aloud. Grant us his faith, persistence and courage. You know we have many needs. In voicing them, we give voice to the needs of all and thus bring your healing to all. Remove our fear and timidity, please, so that we can bring your healing to others. Amen.
Daily Note
“He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself, lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely.”
— St. Catherine of Siena
