Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you so much for allowing me to spend this time with you. I believe you are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I trust in you, the source of all that is good. I love you, and I want to love you more. I humbly place myself in your presence, and I ask your Blessed Mother to help me be attentive to your inspirations.

 

Petition: Christ Jesus, you know my weaknesses and faults. Grant me the gift of faith and help me to rise above the problems and temptations that will assail me today.

 

Gospel: Mk 10:46-52

  

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "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, 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." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

 

1.      Christ Always Responds in Some Way to Our Petitions.

In Jesus time, to be blind was to be in a desperate situation. There was not much help for a disabled person, and thus he wouldnt have a job or any means of sustenance. Everything depended on the generosity of others; all the blind person could do was beg. On the other hand, according to the Jewish mentality, illnesses and physical disabilities were considered a punishment from God for our sins. Thus, his disciples would ask Christ, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind" (John 9:2)? Who would want to help a sinner? Here we have a person in great need of assistance. In what way am I also in need of Gods assistance? We need God for everything, for as Jesus says, Without me you can do nothing (John 15:5).

 

2.      Jesus, Help Me!

 

Pope Benedict encourages us to look to the merciful heart of the Lord. In our difficulties, problems and temptations, we must not simply engage in a theoretical reflection -- from whence do they come? -- but must react positively, invoking the Lord, maintaining a living contact with the Lord. Beyond that, we must cry out the name of Jesus, Jesus, help me! And we may be sure that he listens to us, as he is near to those who seek him. Let us not be discouraged; rather, let us run with ardor and we too will reach life, Jesus, the Lord (Angelus, February 8, 2006). We have to know two things: one, that we are unable to solve our problem on our own (the blind man knew that by experience); two, that Christ can do what we cannot (the blind man knew that by faith, by what he heard Jesus had done for others).

 

3.      The Gift of Faith.

 

The faith of the blind beggar was what allowed Christ to cure him. Faith is not something that we can earn or acquire through willpower or sheer effort. Faith is a gift. This gift must be sought in humble and constant prayer. We have all received this gift through baptism, but it is a gift that needs to grow. Lord, increase my faith!

 

Conversation with Christ: Thank you, Lord! Like the sight you gave to Bartimaeus, you have blessed me with so many graces and special favors, beginning with the amazing gift of my Catholic faith. I want to respond in love to you.

 

Questionnaire: This optional questionnaire is intended to help you evaluate your life in light of the inspirations God just gave you in these moments you spent with him in prayer.

 

1. Do I rely on myself or on Christ for all that I need?

 

2. What aspects of my life do I need to open to Christ's mercy?

 

3. How do I go about sharing the good new