Today’s Gospel reading recounts the discourse between Jesus and a blind man by the side of the road who continually calls out to him: “Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take courage get up, he 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’” (Mark 10:49-51).

Just as Saint Justin desired to see the truth—and had his prayer answered when he learned of Jesus Christ—we too who crave to see the truth have received it through the Catholic faith and the Twelve Steps. In other words, we have been given sight for our spiritual blindness. Once we see the truth of Christ and the Twelve Steps, we are called to share it with others. The 12th step invites us to “carry this message to those who still suffer,” and we receive a similar directive after Mass when the priest says, “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.” Just as Justin surely felt the peace of the risen Christ in his heart to the point of being willing to die for the Gospel message, we too can experience Christ’s peace as we help our brothers and sisters still suffering from addiction and/or unhealthy attachments. 

In a lovely book written by Father Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, Consoling the Heart of Jesus: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat, we read that Jesus desires for us to console His heart by helping our fellows. This is exactly what we do when we participate in recovery. Jesus longs for us to serve others in love and become saints, and He is more than willing to help us if we only ask. Therefore, Saint Justin Martyr, please pray for us that we too become saints through our loving actions and service!

Reflection Questions 

• What actions can you take today that can bring you closer to sainthood?
• What does consoling the heart of Jesus mean to you? How might you intentionally make this a daily practice in your spiritual life and as you seek to serve others?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Sirach 42:15-25
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

Reflection by Marcia G.