When, in our lives, does Jesus pass by?

It is not difficult to imagine the deplorable condition of living out one's life totally on the charity of others. Bartimaeus' situation was even worse for he was also blind. Life passed by him day in and day out in its routine of begging and endless waiting. Then one day Jesus passed by and Bartimaeus' life was changed. Today's Gospel reading was one of the many healing stories of Jesus but this time the focus was largely on Bartimaeus himself.

Bartimaeus, though blind, was alert of Jesus' coming. Despite his social disadvantage and his physical constraint, he did not give in to the crowd who attempted to silence him. He would not let them deprive him of this opportune chance to get help. He unrelentingly overcame all the hindrances in order to catch Jesus' attention. He reacted not only enthusiastically but also confidently when being summoned to meet Jesus. With a strong faith in Him, he abandoned his cloak (his sole possession to catch handouts from passersby) for he was certain that both his physical and economic status would be changed. In other word, he anticipated a transformation. Bartimaeus asked the right thing, a request fully consistent with his problem (that he may see again). Compare with the request of James and John (Mk 10:36) who asked for power and honor, this simple quest for restored sight is justifiable, seeking no special privilege.

Dear friends: when, in our lives, does Jesus pass by? Are we alert of that? Have we missed all those given chances unknowingly or negligently? Do we strive to overcome any obstacle that impedes us to get to Jesus and ask Him for help? Do we have Bartimaeous' perseverance? Do we sometimes, like the crowd, inhibit others to get to Jesus on the assumption of self righteousness or self rightfulness by putting our own needs to Jesus before them? What do we expect when we find Jesus? Are we bold enough to cast off our old selves when He calls us? Are we willing to be transformed and do we ask for the right things?

Bartimaeous won Jesus 'praise for his faith and was rewarded with what he wanted. But the most commendable thing that Bartimaeous did, right after gaining his sight, was to follow Jesus "on the way"----- the way to Jerusalem, the way to our Lord's passion and death. Do we give thanks in words only when our requests are granted or like Bartimaeous, put it into action as Jesus' true followers, and accompany Him "on the way" for better and for worse?

Although Jesus, being surrounded by His disciples and a large crowd, was ready to leave yet He "stood still" when attending Bartimaeous' cry. He will do the same for us when our cries are earnest and persistent, when our requests are humble and honest and most of all, when our faith in Him is strong and unwavering.