What Will You Ask?

The word “Lent” actually literally means Springtime, the perfect season for renewal! Here’s Week #6 in your “mini-retreat” to refresh your soul throughout Lent. Here’s a list of all of the weeks’ posts.

By Sister Mary Core, OSB

The story of the blind Bartimaeus is one of my very favorite in the Gospels.

Bartimaeus is sitting along the roadside begging as Jesus passes by. He calls out, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” Reprimanded by the crowd to keep still, Bartimaeus calls out all the louder, “Son of David, have pity on me.” (Mark 10:51)

Jesus stops to have the blind man brought to him. Jesus’ words are straight forward and simple, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Bartimaeus answers with an equally succinct, “Master, I want to see.”

When I am stumbling through a difficult day, or struggling to make sense of a situation, or just feeling down, I often pray these simple words, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.”

It becomes a mantra for me until I can hear the comforting words of Jesus say to me,  “What do you want me to do for you?”

I always answer in the words of Bartimaeus, “Master, I want to see.”

I know Jesus understands my answer, just as he understood the blind man.

I want to see the bigger picture. I want to understand the situation, to view things from the positive side.

I want to be more accepting, less judgmental, more compassionate, more forgiving, and a better person.

“I want to see.”

Such a short, simple statement, but so loaded with faith, trust, hope, and expectation!

Jesus says, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” With sight restored, Bartimaeus follows Jesus.

The beauty of the exchange between Jesus and Bartimaeus is in its simplicity.

Bartimaeus knows what he wants and needs from Jesus. When Jesus asks what he can do, Bartimaeus has his request ready.

Our conversations with Jesus need to be equally trusting, faith-filled and simple.

We don’t need to beat around the bush with our requests, or make them grander than what they are.

Like Bartimaeus we just need to say it like it is, trusting the answer will be given.

Questions for Reflection …

Are you able to “call out” to Jesus in prayer?

What do you want Jesus to do for you?

What are some areas of blindness in your life?

What do you want to “see”?

Be willing to die like the grain of wheat, that you may bring forth new life. Be still,  that you may come to know God in every aspect of life and creation. Trust that God’s grace is sufficient to carry you, even in your weakness. Do justice, love goodness, walk humbly with your God. Let go of the past and courageously reach out to embrace the “something new” God has in store for you. These are the things we have heard God tells us to do over the past 5 weeks. This week, we are asked what we want God to do for us. What will you ask?