Bartimaeus' encounter with Jesus is a model example of discipleship. Bartimaeus was blind, and knew he needed help. Do you know that you can do nothing without the Lord? (Jn 15:5) Bartimaeus cried out to the Lord for help: "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" (Mk 10:47) Can you call out to Jesus for His mercy? Jesus called Bartimaeus to Himself (Mk 10:49). Can you answer His call? Bartimaeus threw aside his cloak even before he could see (Mk 10:50). What if he wasn't healed and couldn't find his cloak? He took a personal risk and came to Jesus. Can you take a risk and run to Jesus?
Then Jesus asked Bartimaeus, "What do you want Me to do for you?" (Mk 10:51) Jesus is asking you the same question. Bartimaeus told Jesus his deepest desire; he took another risk and laid his hopes before Jesus: "Rabboni...I want to see" (Mk 10:51). Can you tell Jesus your hopes and dreams? Jesus healed him and gave him sight, saying, "Your faith has healed you" (Mk 10:52). Do you have faith that Jesus can heal you?
Disciples of Jesus are those who follow in His footsteps (Lk 9:23). Bartimaeus "received his sight and started to follow [Jesus]up the road" (Mk 10:52). Be a disciple of Jesus. Cry out to Him. Answer His call. Take a risk and give Jesus your life. Let Jesus heal you and make His way your way.
| PRAYER: | "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths" (Ps 25:4). |
| PROMISE: | "At God's word were His works brought into being; they do His will as He has ordained for them." –Sir 42:15 |
| PRAISE: | St. Justin wrote to defend the Christian faith from heretics. For his efforts, he was beheaded and won a martyr's crown. |
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