Friends, you may know that I attempt to create in my Subject Line for these reflections (like the one above) a phrase that might be enticing, that it causes you to be inquisitive enough to read on. I feel that I should explain the Subject Line for today since the Question that I will reference that I pray you to take time to ponder is not mine.
A relatively well-known beggar by the name of Bartimaeus is described in today's Gospel as sitting by the side of the road. He has few options other than that since he is blind. He is blind because he does not have a relationship with Jesus. He is more blind spiritually than physically since he does not understand his condition, or how God could possibly use his blindness to glorify God. Do you ever feel like you are sitting on the side of the road?
We read that Bartemaus cries out. Let's give him credit for that as he is not wallowing in his condition but notice what he cries! He is not yelling for money or comfort but rather for mercy. It starts there. "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me".
If you have but one prayer I suggest this simple prayer of mercy may be it.
Bartimaeus was humble enough to know his sinful condition and he cries out to the only One who can alleviate his condition, his sin.
Jesus becomes aware of Bartimaeus, hears his cry, and takes action not by immediately going to him as we would expect, the most direct route, but instead he engages others to become involved. He tells those nearby to "call him". Jesus engages us as well for the salvation of souls, to be attentive to those crying out. The instructions were not complicated, just "call him."
Bartimaeus is asked this question by the only One who can respond to any condition; "What do you want me to do for you." Talk about your loaded question! A re-phrasing may be as follows; "What do we want God to do for us?" Sit with that for a minute or so. What do you want God to do for you?
That question is posed to us each and every day for as His Creatures God has a vested interest. He wants a relationship with us and to remove any barrier that is between us. And let's not miss the detail of Bartimaeus's response. His first word is "Master." "Master, I want to see." He knows Who he is speaking to. It's not about him and his glaring need to see but about God's plan. Yes, he does ask to see but we know that his heart desires the sight to not sin again and, in his condition, we may conclude that he may have done anything to be rid of his blindness, to mask it. Bartimaeus is not about self-pity.
What do we want? What do we want God to do for us? If we start our plea, our prayer as Bartimaeus did then we open ourselves to God's will.
The Creator of the Universe, the One Who gives us each breath we take, is waiting for a response.
Cry out!
