This Sunday’s Gospel reading picks up as Jesus, along with his disciples and a small crowd, are on the road toward Jerusalem where He will die. A blind man named Bartimaeus was begging on the side of the road when Jesus passed by:

“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”
And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.
But he kept calling out all the more,
“Son of David, have pity on me.”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man, saying to him,
“Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”
He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
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.”
Immediately he received his sight
and followed him on the way.

When asked the same question as James and John, the blind man’s response is simple, “Master, I want to see.” This can be taken as a request for spiritual renewal, something Jesus is always willing to honor. It’s likely that we’ve found ourselves in a similar position somewhere along our recovery journey. We can learn much from the attitude and behavior of Bartimaeus as Jesus calls for him. Unlike the rich man who goes away sad, he immediately springs to action and responds to Jesus’ call. It helps that he is not weighed down by other unhealthy attachments.

The Twelve Steps are designed to give sight to the blind and offer the opportunity to follow Jesus with joy and courage. We gain spiritual sight—some kind of insight—to see beyond our denial and view the world through new lenses. Insight can only go so far when it lacks movement or is fueled by self-seeking motives. The work we do turns self-awareness and God-awareness into life-changing action.

The tone of this Sunday’s Gospel reading reflects gratitude and joy on behalf of Bartimaeus. You might see the same kind of joy expressed by those who have known the darkness of active addiction and now experience a new freedom and happiness in recovery. Recognition of our Lord’s grace is found in this Sunday’s Responsorial Psalm as we sing, “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”

Reflection Questions

• What do you want Jesus to do for you?
• The blind man in this Sunday’s Gospel reading is rebuked by those who seem annoyed by his antics. How do you overcome similar resistance when reaching out to the Lord for help?
• Not all of us spring right into action when called by God. What has stood in your way of following Him?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Second Reading: Hebrews 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

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