Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 24, 2021
“Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.’ He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said in reply, ‘Master, I want to see.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.”
The blind beggar had a certain insight calling out to Jesus for compassion and pity. Probably, for the benefit of those around, He asked the question, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’
The answer was obvious.
Jesus sees us as beggars, people in need. Each one of us is a Bartimaeus, but I wonder if Jesus is that close to us. Do I hear Him calling me, asking me to tell Him my need? Where am I still blind to what He wants of me, deaf to hear His voice calling me, slow to spring up like the blind one? As He responds to my request, aware of His pity and compassion, do I follow Him on the way?
by Rev. William J. Reilly