Ord.Wk 8th: Thursday 30th May, 2024 May 30, 2024

Reflection on the WORD

Courageous and Humble Faith: In today’s Gospel, Bartimeus the blind man teaches us to live our faith with courage, authenticity and humility.  Ponder on: Bartimeus humbly and with deep faith pleadedto be cured; and Jesus healed him.  Is our faith in Jesus ‘hidden’ as though we are ashamed of Him?  Or do we share and witness our faith with courage, authenticity and humility?

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday 7th June 2024: 
Pray the 9Days Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - Click https://www.jesuit.org.sg/2024-sacred-heart/

Mark 10:46-52

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (that is, the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting at the side of the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and to say, ‘Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.’ And many of them scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he only shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’

Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him here.’ So they called the blind man. ‘Courage,’ they said, ‘get up; he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus.         

Then Jesus spoke, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘Master, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has saved you.’ And immediately his sight returned and he followed him along the road.

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • The blind man, Bartimeus not only recognized Jesus as “Son of David,” but also believed that He could cure his blindness.  His belief and deep desires to be cured was so strong that he defied the scolding of the crowd by shouting out to Jesus for help.
  • Our daily living may be similarly influenced by the “crowd” of our own families, friends, relatives etc. who would “scold” and discourage us from seeking help from Jesus.  
  • Let us ask Jesus to give us the deep faith we need to “defy” such dissenting voices so that we will seek Jesus more courageously and fully in all the needs of our lives.