I Once Was Blind; But Now I See!

Then God goes on to say, “I invite you to a relationship of love: your love of me, my love of you.”  Yes, God comes to us as an invitation to love. . .

At this moment love surges in our heart like a tremendous sea that takes us in and lays us in the arms of God whom we haven’t seen but in whom we believe.  Across the waves we hear, “Blessed are they who have not seen and yet believe” (Jn 20:29).  Now I walk in the darkness of faith and I see.  I see more clearly than is possible with my fleshly eyes.

–Servant of God Catherine de Hueck Doherty

Bartimaeus (Mark 10: 46-52)

Bartimaeus’ eyes are opened by Jesus in two ways.  The obvious opening is the physical one.  The second opening is in Bartimaeus’ response to his healing.  Even though Jesus told him to go his way, Bartimaeus chose to follow Jesus.

Bartimaeus is a model for the process of conversion.  He had a strong faith.  He called out to Jesus, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:48)  This means that he believed Jesus was the Messiah.  And this belief added to what he had heard about Jesus stirred up a great trust.

When asked what he wanted, Bartimaeus replies, “Master, let me receive my sight.” (Mk 10:51) What boldness!  What confidence!  What faith!

Jesus affirms how important trustful faith is to Him when He replies to Bartimaeus, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.”  (Mk 10:52)

This convert stays with Jesus to know His teachings and to be formed by them.  He stays with Jesus, trusting in His wisdom.  He stays with Jesus at the cross so that he finds the forgiveness of his sins through Jesus’ suffering.  He stays with Jesus because the Resurrection promises new life.  He stays with Jesus to be nourished and given hope.

Our prayer today and always:  Let us stay with you, Lord.  Let us walk in your light so we may truly see!

(FYI: Tomorrow, Thursday, April 26th is the feast day of St. Mark the Evangelist.)

Next time:  the woman at the well

Meditation:  Have we been through our own conversion process?  Are we using this Easter season to really know Jesus through His word?