ON WANTING AND BELIEVING

Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” — Mark 10:51-52

ON WANTING AND BELIEVING
Mark 10:46-52

Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." — Mark 10:51-52

How possible is it for a blind man to see? How likely is it for a miracle to happen? Usually, we think that it can never happen because it is beyond ordinary. But today, Jesus revealed to us that it is actually within every possibility. In today's gospel, we heard how Jesus made it clear that some things, although they sound impossible, may actually happen for a faith that is real.

"What do you want me to do for you?" This is what Jesus asked Bartimaeus, a blind man who was sitting at the roadside while Jesus and his disciples passed by. A question plain and straightforward. Bartimaeus replied with a direct and specific statement as well. "Master, I want to see." He was candid with his answer. Bartimaeus was desperate for healing, so he boldly expressed what he needed though people rebuked him for doing so. Those who witnessed Bartimaeus probably found his display of desperation a bit embarrassing and unsettling. But he did not mind whatever the others were thinking. He was honest in expressing his need; he knew himself well. His need for healing, redemption, and desire for a miracle was made possible because he was genuinely open to God.

Ordinarily, when we are experiencing difficulties, loss, or grief, instead of seeking help from our neighbor or God, we hold everything in, choosing silence over the danger of being scolded or rejected for our difficult situation. Instead of criticizing Bartimaeus, Jesus responded to his cries by asking him what he wanted and healing him. This short passage can teach us a great deal about handling suffering in our own lives and in the lives of those in our community. God never meant for us to suffer alone, and the response of Jesus to Bartimaeus shows precisely this.

What is so interesting about Jesus' actions in this story is that though it was already evident that Bartimaeus was blind, Jesus did not automatically decide that healing from blindness was what he needed. Instead, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" By asking Bartimaeus what he wanted, Jesus is giving him the chance to make a decision for himself about his healing.

Too often, in our society, people who need assistance are not given this kind of opportunity. But Jesus goes against what is usually expected. Bartimaeus shows all of us that we can openly let our requests be made known to God because he hears our cries and will respond to them in the best way for us.

Many times in our lives, we allow ourselves and others to suffer in silence. But in this passage, God shows us that he is also mindful of our cries and will respond to them. The Lord hears, understands, and responds to our prayers. The only criterion is that we should be forthright in expressing our needs and desires before God. To be honest means that our needs should be genuine. Bartimaeus' prayer was real. It is good to examine ourselves every time we pray. Do the things we pray for really come from our innermost desire or maybe just from our unimportant and selfish wants?

Today Jesus challenges us to be genuine and honest in expressing to God our prayers and desires. Just like Bartimaeus, we should desire to see not just what we want to see, but what we really need to see -- a life lived according to God's intent.

May we learn to trust in the ability of our faith to make miracles happen, and that may we be honest in expressing our prayers and needs before God. Let us not forget that for as long as we genuinely desire God's mercy and love, He will never disappoint us.

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