In the Gospel text this Sunday, we meet the blind Bartimaeus. This account begins with him sitting at the roadside begging. Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd. When Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he shouted and cried out, “Son of David, Jesus, pity on me”.
It struck me that a blind man was
able to notice Jesus passing. I believe Bartimaeus was born blind. He could not see Jesus; he had no previous picture of what Jesus looked like. Perhaps the crowd around him was shouting Jesus’ name, so Bartimaeus heard this and shouted as well. He knew Jesus, the Son of God, was physically present, leading him to action.
We are often encouraged to raise our awareness of the ever presence of God. Elijah, in contrast to Bartimaeus,
found God in the stillness and silence (1 Kings 19:11-13). Where do you easily see God's presence? What helps your awareness of the presence of God?
Notice how you are invited to be aware of the Lord’s presence in your day. Ask the Lord for the grace to be open to this awareness.
Reflections by Morongoa Selepe
