As I was praying over the Readings last week in preparation for Sunday Worship, the Gospel passage sparked something new for me. It's the familiar story of Bartimaeus, but this go-round, I just saw so much to dig into. This blind man was sitting on the roadside begging for help. When Jesus was passing by, he begged Jesus to have pity on him. He was persistent even when told to keep quiet by others. Then, when they said Jesus wanted to see him, he jumped up without hesitation. Bartimaeus was healed because he had great Faith. Then, he followed Jesus and undoubtedly shared his story. We all need the mercy of God. We all need to persistently give our all to be closer to Jesus and tell Him our desire to do so. We need to jump up and follow Him without hesitation, then share our story so that others see the wonders the Lord can do.
I pondered -- how would I respond if Jesus walked by and asked me,
"What do you want me to do for you?"
My list is so long I wouldn't know where to begin. But this time, I heard the question a little differently when I put myself on that roadside in Jericho. I pictured Jesus calling me to Him and asking, "What ONE thing do you want me to do for you?" As I meditated on this question, I felt that I needed to answer the same as Bartimaeus,
"Master, I want to see."
I prayed over this some more. Then, I heard Jesus ask me,
"WHAT do you want to see?"
Hmmmm.....I could feel another long list forming ~ how about kindness, fairness, peace, and truth prevailing in our world, for starters? Then I realized the question I need to pray over is,
"What do I NEED Jesus to help me see? "
As I went about my days, I paid more attention to what I did see, making note of the things that caught my eye and how they made me feel. I was trying to intentionally focus on the positive things I saw rather than the rude cashiers, unsafe drivers, or traffic delays.
But I couldn't help but notice the homes with massive Halloween decorations. They are larger in scale and more sinister than ever before. Some of them are so scary and creepy that I have to avert my eyes. Driving through neighborhoods, that's what I see, but I don't want to see it. What message are those displays sending passersby? It feels like they are forcing darkness on us.
Again, I prayed, "Master, I want to see. What do YOU want me to see?" Jesus saw that Bartimaeus was a man of great Faith. He was much more than the outward display of a pitiful beggar. I see this Scripture teaching that Jesus wants us to see ourselves and others the same as He sees us, not just our outward displays, which aren't always good and holy. We need Jesus' help and mercy with this.
I'm not a politically-forward person, but dark Presidential Election displays are also being forced on us. Truly awful things are being reported about both presidential candidates and their cohorts. Sometimes, I just want to avert my eyes to the whole campaign. I don't want to see it, but I need to make an informed choice. We all need to do our part and cast our vote next week. (We can't vote purple, even though it is my favorite color.) We have to choose one over the other, and I find this election more scary than any other before.
Do we see others as God sees them, or only what others tell us to see?
What does Jesus want us to see?
Master, help us see the truth so that we may vote for the person who is most pleasing to You and will be the better one to lead our nation.
Neither candidate is perfect. Both have displayed words and opinions that are not good and holy. Let's try to intentionally focus on the positives rather than the ugliness in the race. May we work to see each candidate for who they truly are, not merely what they and other people try to force us to see. It takes much prayer and discernment. Let us not cast our vote without asking the Lord for guidance. May His light shine on the election and our nation. May we all continue to work to be our best and get along regardless of which candidate wins the race.
Lord, have mercy on us!
Before Election Day, we celebrate two other very important days. All Saints Day is Nov 1st. Take some time this week to pray with Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and hear what He calls us to be. Nov 2nd is All Souls Day. Find a meaningful way to commemorate and pray for all the faithful departed who have touched your life in some way. Make it a priority to participate in Mass and Adoration before the Election, if possible. Hear Jesus' words to every one of us. We are part of the crowd today. We need God's guidance. (John 6:37-40)
Jesus said to the crowds:
“Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me.
And this is the will of the one who sent me,
that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,
but that I should raise it on the last day.
For this is the will of my Father,
that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him
may have eternal life,
and I shall raise him on the last day.”
Good thoughts. For the first time in my life I am voting against someone rather than voting for someone. Still a fan....
Very good and timely topic ! How important it is to see CLEARLY …. There is a possibility that most of those gathered around Jesus in that amazing scene in Jericho could see ….. but how well could they see ? He is the Christ ….. the Son of the Living God …many could not see that even though they were clear-sighted ! Bartimeaus reached deeply into himself, his faith, and His knowledge and awareness of Christ …. and called out full-throathed “Lord have mercy on me”! May the same Christ hear our prayer and petition in these challenging times !!
Why is it that adults become easily confused or distracted by sin? This post reminded me of when my 3 year old son asked me what is abortion? I had to gently explain its meaning & asked him what did he think. He said, “No!, that is bad!” Out of the mouth of babes…the choice at the ballot is just as simple.
It’s sound so simple to do but really difficult with all that’s said and done.