A reading from the gospel according to Luke 18:35-43
35 As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging,
36 and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening.
37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
38 He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”
39 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!”
40 Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him,
41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.”
42 Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”
43 He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
Reflection: Persistence
In seeking Jesus, a blind man (named Bartimaeus in the gospel of Mark) did not allow any hindrance such as people who wanted to silence him. He was focused on his desire to be healed so he kept on calling out Jesus all the more. His effort paid-off after Jesus listened and granted his petition. This is the power of persistence not just in prayer but in all human endeavors. Nothing is a hindrance for the persistent person.
In John 20:29, Jesus told Thomas and the other apostles that those who believe even if they cannot see are blessed. Bartimaeus believed in Jesus even before he could see Him. In the end, he received his blessing of sight. Jesus specifically told him that his faith saved him. Indeed, nothing is impossible for those who believed.
After getting his sight, Bartimaeus gave glory to God and followed Jesus. The people who saw the miracle also gave praises to God. We all receive many blessings every day in our life. Yet we don’t see them because we are in a way blind. Let us ask the Lord for the gift of sight that we may see His goodness and mercy. Moreover, let us develop the attitude of gratitude. Let us learn to give credit to whom it is due. All our blessings come from God. Let us thank Him, praise Him and give Him all glory that He truly deserved.
