"Go your way; your faith has saved you." - Mark 10:52
Today, we receive a relatable and crucial revelation about those of us who may claim to be "faithful" or "holy" followers of the Lord. Notably, our first reading attests to how great God's works, wisdom, and wonders are and that His holy ones will fail at times to recognize God's greatness. In the Gospel, we are read about an individual who trusts in Jesus, despite his immense suffering, his blindness. How often have we've been like Bartimaeus - being unable to the ability to see God's greatness in the world and the other? Yet, Bartimaeus did not give up his faith, despite having a great temptation to do so! Bartimaeus should serve as a powerful example and even goal for those of us who claim to follow Christ. We claim to belong to God, to love Him, and some even publicly vow to make Him present in others' lives. Yet, have our claims, our promises been tested? Are we prepared to make our faithful claims when things are not going well, when we cannot see God's presence in our lives anymore?
When life gets complicated, rather than cursing the Lord or giving up on our faith, why not practice the same courage of Bartimaeus - remembering the Lord's greatness before tempted to feel hopeless, remembering His greatness attested to in our first reading. Will others encounter a faith in us that is so strong that no temptation or darkness can break it?
My Lord and my God, I trust You, help my distrust.
Reflection by: Br. Lucius Amarillas, OSB
