‘Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” …Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”’ (Mark 10:46,48-49)

How aware are we of our shortcomings and failings? How often do we allow them to hold us back? I am a worrier. Usually, I may look calm and collected, but inside, I am ill at ease and even a bit fearful. I have learned to look up to the Heavens and implore, “Jesus, Son of God! Have mercy on me, a sinner,” and try to leave everything in his hands, for I know that he knows my heart and needs better than I do.

What happens when we humbly reach out to Christ? “Take courage; get up; he is calling you.” He invites us to come ever closer, with faith, hope, and courage, and approach the Throne of Mercy. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asks, and we look deep into our hearts.

The word “Courage” is derived from the Latin “cor age,” meaning “to bring forth your heart”… Jesus calls us to bring forth our hearts so that we may unite them with his. What is more vulnerable and faithful than to expose our very hearts? From that faith and hope, and from that intimacy and vulnerability, he can work on us and provide us with what we need. In all humility, may we open our hearts and be courageous!

Today, may we approach Jesus in the Eucharist with the same humility, courage, and hope as Bartimaeus. May our faith in Christ allow us to hear: “Go your way; your faith has saved you…” (Mark 10:52)

Let us pray:

Lord, help us that may we stay faithful even in the most challenging times. Help us to keep our hearts forever close to yours; that united to you through the Eucharist, we may be supported to accept and follow your will for us humbly. Amen.