Word to the Wise
Monday, November 14, 2016 - Monday in the 33th Week in Ordinary Time
[Rev 1:1-4; 2:1-5 and Luke 18:35-43]MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 MONDAY IN THE THIRTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME [Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5 and Luke 18:35-43] "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 glorify to God." The story of the blind beggar ("Bartimaeus" according to the Gospel of Mark) has much to teach us. Notice first of all the progression in faith for Bartimaeus. He goes from asking (in his physical blindness) what the commotion is about and learns that "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by," to calling out, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" The change in title is important, and when Bartimaeus defies the crowd and repeats his plea, Jesus tells the crowd to bring him, and asks him, "What do you want me to do for you?" Bartimaeus replies, "Lord, please let me see." Jesus sees what the crowd could not see - the faith of Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus is healed of his physical blindness and becomes a disciple. We are left wondering about the rest of the crowd, who could not "see" Bartimaeus and tried to silence him. At least we are told that they praised God for this miracle. Bartimaeus' persistence in faith brings him face to face with Jesus. If we do the same, what will we ask of Jesus? I think I would ask the same thing Bartimaeus did, so that I could see with the eyes of faith. The crowd was so focused on Jesus that they could not "see" Bartimaeus. Jesus had to tell them to bring him near. My prayer would be to be an instrument and not an obstacle. AMEN
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