JESUS! HELP ME TO SEE GOD IN YOU: Jer 31:7-9; Heb 5:1-6; Mk 10:46-52 (30 B)

 

JESUS! HELP ME TO SEE GOD IN YOU

Jer 31:7-9; Heb 5:1-6; Mk 10:46-52 (30 B)

“Blessed are your eyes, for they see” (Divine Office)

 

Jesus’ reputation as a healer has spread throughout his neighboring regions as he prepares for his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The blind man, Bartimaeus called out Jesus for his pity. Bartimaeus persisted, calling out more loudly saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me”. It took a lot of courage and persistence for Bartimaeus to get the attention of Jesus. Usually healing stories in Markan Gospel, the actions accompany Jesus’ words. But here Jesus says that Bartimaeus’s faith has saved him. Jesus’ healing power is correlated with the faith of the person seeking for healing.

 

Jesus questioned Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?" He said, “Master, I want to see” (Mk 10:51). Jesus granted him not only physical sight but also, most importantly, spiritual vision —faith, which is the internal sight of God. Jesus gives the same question to us, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus wants to draw out of us a personal response of faith and trust in his power to heal and make us whole. St. Clement of Alexandria once said, “Let us put an end to the oblivion of the truth; let us unclothe our heart and dispel the ignorance and darkness that, as a cloud, darkens our eyes, and let us contemplate he who is really God.” We need internal sight or spiritual vision. Our internal eye needs to be opened by the grace of God.

 

This miracle of Blind Bartimaeus reveals how God interacts with his beloved. Bartimaeus was determined to get Jesus' attention. Jesus could have ignored him, but he showed that acting was more important than talking. My driving school instructor told me that acting is more important than moving eyes and talking during the road test. Along with prayer the works of charity are more important. Bartimaeus was in desperate need and Jesus was ready to respond to his need, not only to empathize with his suffering, but to relieve it as well. St Paul says love is better than being able to speak the language of the angels (1 Cor. 13).

 

If we are not able to see his helping hand in our struggles, let’s say: “Lord, increase my faith.” If we are not able to see him in our enemies, let us pray, “Lord help my un belief”.  If any of our family members or friends sinking in the ocean of worldly attractions ceasing to practice their Catholic faith, let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, help them to see you.” The Master will generously respond.

 

“Help us to see that our bitterness is forgotten, our discord is resolved, and our sins are forgiven” (Divine Office).