October 25, 2009: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

When you have difficulty seeing or understanding something, ask Jesus for help.

As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.”… Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus told him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed Jesus on the way. (Mark 10:46-47, 51-52)

In this story we have a blind man who desires vision. Even though many of us see with our eyes, we can be blind in our minds and in our hearts. There are things about living that we really don’t see or get. Bartimaeus was so eager to see with his eyes, that He trusted Jesus could help him. Jesus points out that Bartimaeus’ faith contributed to his healing.

Action:

When you have difficulty seeing or understanding something, ask Jesus for help. For example, when your mother or father expects something of you that does not make sense, ask Jesus to open your mind and your heart.
Allow wisdom which we talked about recently to rule in your heart. We usually associate wisdom with older people. However, the Spirit’s gift of wisdom can reside in the young as well. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin prayed for wisdom; ask her to ask God for that gift for you.