In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the cry of the blind man for Jesus: “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me” (Mark 10:47). Just like that man, Jesus had pity on me when I came into recovery. I heard the voice of Jesus calling me and giving me one more chance to live—one more chance to turn my life around and see with His eyes. When I admitted I was powerless over alcohol, addictions, and unhealthy attachments and came to believe that only God could restore me to sanity (Steps 1 and 2), I offered the Lord my cry for help. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I knew I was blind from my drinking, just like the blind man in Scripture, and I wanted to see again. Yet, when I came into recovery I heard through my fellows and sponsor, “Take courage; get up, [Jesus] is calling you” (Mark 10:49). And responding to His call meant living out my recovery with honesty, fidelity, and complete surrender, getting a sponsor, working the Twelve Steps, and serving others.
Jesus asks us to be courageous in the midst of our cry for help and freedom. Yet, just like we hear in today’s Gospel Acclamation (“I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life”), if we follow Him on our faith and recovery journey, He will fill our lives with light and our eyes will be opened to do his will with freedom, joy, and love.
Reflection Questions
- How did Jesus call you into recovery? How did Jesus open your eyes to a new life?
- What does “taking courage” look like for you in recovery?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: 1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 100:2, 3, 4, 5
Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
Reflection by Juan Carlos P.