***
Gospel: Luke 18:35-43
“As Jesus approached Jericho
a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging,
and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening.
They told him,
“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”
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!”
Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him;
and when he came near, Jesus asked him,
“What do you want me to do for you?”
He replied, “Lord, please let me see.”
Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”
He immediately received his sight
and followed him, giving glory to God.
When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
***
***
The story of this blind man, whom Mark tells us is named Bartimaeus, is all about seeing with eyes of faith.
***
Yes, Bartimaeus has his physical sight restored. But one day someone will close his eyes and commend him to God.
Physical sight in that sense has a shelf-life.
What really matters is that Bartimaeus sees Jesus as Lord.
The next step for him will be to see the Risen Jesus in his neighbor.
***
That’s the challenge for us, too; to see Jesus.
There are two places, in particular, where we’re called to see him. In the Eucharist and in our neighbor.
Do I see Jesus, fully present at Mass? Do I see him in my neighbor?
***
May the faith of Bartimaeus become our own, allowing us to see Jesus, who is always with us, today.
***
***
Image credits: (1) Action Power of Faith Ministries (2) debmillswriter.com (3) eofoptical.com