Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
I remember when I got to that age where I was embarrassed to walk around with my Mom or my Dad holding their hand. I was a “big boy” and it was time to assert my independence, and I didn’t need either of them to walk me across the street or hold on to me a crowded area. I was determined to set my own path.
No matter how old we are, mature we may be, advanced or wise in the spiritual life, when it comes to our relationship with God, we will always need to learn to be completely dependent on God. We may not suffer from physical blindness, but all of us suffer from spiritual blindness in one form or another. Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. Bartimaeus did what he could do, he cried out to Jesus—an expression of his need and dependency on the Lord.
When he started calling out to Jesus “many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.” You will encounter challenges too. But, how will you respond? Bartimaeus “kept calling out all the more.” In this action, he provides an example of perseverance in prayer. The obstacles we encounter in prayer are many: distractions, dryness, lack of a firm intention, relationships, and sins that pull us away from God. Truly before God, we are no greater than beggars, but the Lord looks upon us in our poverty and need. The Lord looks upon us with love and compassion.
Jesus leads us in our weaknesses and needs like a child. Jesus calls us, gives us a word of encouragement, and seeks to draw out our deepest need. Left on our own, we are inclined to find danger or be completely lost. Never outgrow the place where you are willing to call out to Jesus and let Him lead you.
Reflection Question: What do you want Jesus to do for you?
Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections