Reflection: Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me...

In today's Gospel of Mark Chapter 10, we witness Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, sitting by the side of the road, crying out to Jesus, as he walked with His disciples. When Bartimaeus cried out, many around him rebuked him and told him to be silent, but he kept crying out, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me."  Jesus heard him and He stopped and said, "Call him." When the people heard this, they went to Bartimaeus and said, "Take courage; get up, He is calling you."

Without haste, he went to Jesus and Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" Bartimaeus said, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him to go along his way, that his faith saved him. Immediately, he received his sight and he followed Jesus.

Meditation: Place yourself in the scene of this Gospel. Imagine what it was like walking with Jesus with so many gathering around and trying to be near Him. 

Maybe you are someone in the crowd. You hear Bartimaeus crying out and you tell him to be silent. Then you watch as Jesus calls him and you hear someone tell him that Jesus is calling him. You speak to Bartimaeus and tell him to take courage, get up and go to Jesus. You listen as Jesus asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" Bartimaeus tells him he wants to see. Immediately his sight was given to him because Jesus saw his faith. You, along with the crowd, are amazed at the miracle Jesus performed.

Maybe you are Bartimaeus. You hear that Jesus is coming. You want to talk with Him and you call out His Name. The people around him rebuke you and tell you to be quiet but you call Him even more. You do not allow the others to stop you. Suddenly, Jesus hears you calling and He wants to see you. Joy fills your heart because you know He is calling you and you quickly go to Him. Jesus looks at you with great love and He asks, "What do you want me to do for you? You pour out your heart's desire, "Master, I want to see." Immediately Jesus sees your faith and you receive your sight. You follow Jesus, wanting to stay near Him after this intimate encounter.

As you pray and ponder this Gospel scene, consider this:

Jesus is with You. Call out to Him. If others tell you not to reach out to Him, do not listen or be discouraged. Even if you have not talked with Him for a while, Jesus is waiting for you to call out to Him. When you call him, He will stop and ask you,

"What do you want me to do for you?"

Take courage. Talk to Jesus and tell Him your heart's desire. Tell Him what you need. When you open your heart to a personal encounter with Jesus, you are forever changed.

As you continue to ponder this Gospel, ask Jesus to show you the ways you are a blind beggar. Ask Jesus to heal you and open your eyes and heart to all He wants to give you. Jesus wants to pour out His mercy and healing power upon you. He wants to heal spiritual blindness and hardness of heart. Jesus wants to perform miracles for you. Reach out to Him. He is waiting for you...

"Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared. Isaiah 35:5