It's hard to admit weakness, sin, or even sickness. The blindness of pride often prevents us from being healed of other kinds of blindness. After Bartimaeus began calling out, "many people were scolding him to make him keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder" (Mk 10:48). After we humble ourselves, the next obstacle to healing is often worrying about what other people think of us. Often, to receive healing, it is necessary to look like a fool in the eyes of the world.
"Then Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him over' " (Mk 10:49). Bartimaeus "threw aside his cloak, jumped up and came to Jesus" (Mk 10:50). His jump was a great leap of faith. Blind people don't make sudden movements. If they jump up, they don't know what might happen since they don't know what's above them. Jesus said to Bartimaeus: " ‘Be on your way. Your faith has healed you.' Immediately he received his sight and started to follow Him up the road" (Mk 10:52).
What's standing in the way of your healing? Are you too proud to admit you need help? Are you too proud to confess your sins? Are you too "cool" to be healed? Are you paralyzed by the thought of being laughed at? Are you unwilling to become a fool for Christ? (1 Cor 4:10) If you jump up or down, do you believe Jesus will catch you? Don't let anything or anyone prevent you from receiving your healing and your Healer, Jesus.
| PRAYER: | Lord Jesus, "I want to see" (Mk 10:51). |
| PROMISE: | "The Most High possesses all knowledge, and sees from of old the things that are to come: He makes known the past and the future, and reveals the deepest secrets." –Sir 42:18-19 |
| PRAISE: | St. Augustine was initially fearful when tasked with evangelizing Anglo-Saxons in England. Spurred on by Pope St. Gregory the Great, he fulfilled his mission. It resulted in the pagan king being baptized! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College