When Jesus shows up, you never know what is going to happen. Bartimaeus, the blind man in today’s gospel, knows why Jesus is nearby. It’s tough being blind, and he is shouting, desperate to be able to see. Bartimaeus has excellent faith, praying for a miracle that Jesus, in his mercy, will help him. He knows how wonderful it will be if his prayers are answered. Now, he has no job skills no work history; all he knows is how to beg. If Jesus grants his petition, his life will change. He hears Jesus say that his eyesight is restored because of his deep faith. Will that faith that Jesus felt get him work or a place to live? It takes faith to be healed and even more faith to grow in one’s new circumstances. Bartimaeus must have believed because he chose to follow Christ and give glory to God in thanksgiving.

God calls us to continue the work of his son. We may not restore vision or cure cancer, but he does expect us to make a difference in our world. Helping someone who is hurting or in need is, in a small way, like opening the eyes of the blind or the ears of the deaf. As his disciples, we are to act as his hands, feet, and voice to do his work and share his truths.

When Jesus heard Bartimaeus cry out loudly, he stopped, listened, and cared. We silently cry out to God at the celebration of the Eucharist when we plea, “Lord, I am not worthy!” Jesus rose from the dead to enter under our roof.

Can you begin a new habit? Can you find someone, somewhere, who needs your help, even your companionship, compassion, and love?

Let us pray:

How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. (Psalm 117:12-13)