Listening, Letting Go and Following Jesus

In today’s Gospel (Mark 10:46-52), we see a powerful story of a blind man whose life was forever changed by a single encounter with Jesus. As Fr. Dominic reminded us in his homily, we often read this story as an extraordinary miracle, but he encouraged us to go deeper, to see ourselves in the blind man, Bartimaeus. Are we really seeing or are we blind in ways we may not even recognise?

1. Hearing Jesus in Our Lives
Bartimaeus had never seen Jesus, but when he heard that He was passing by, he knew, deep in his soul this was his chance. Do we listen in the same way? It’s easy to tune out, to become selective in what we hear, ignoring the gentle whispers of God in Scripture, in prayer, and in the moments of our day. Maybe God speaks to us in unexpected ways: in the person we meet, in the trials we endure, or even in our quiet moments alone. Are we truly listening or do we let distractions muffle His voice?

2. Crying Out for Grace
Bartimaeus shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” How often do we cry out to God with such conviction? When life overwhelms us, do we hold our cries inside or do we let our hearts be vulnerable, admitting our need for God’s grace? Sometimes, the simple cry for help is the bravest act of faith we can offer, trusting that Jesus hears us even when the world seems silent.

3. Being a Voice of Courage for Others
In that moment, the crowd tried to silence Bartimaeus, but someone in that crowd told him, “Take courage; get up, He is calling you.” How often do we listen to those who encourage us? Sometimes, God speaks to us through others, nudging us forward through the words and kindness of those around us. We, too, can be that voice, urging others to find strength and take heart. Encouragement is a gift we both give and receive, drawing each of us closer to God and reminding us that we are not alone on the journey.

4. Throwing Off Our Cloak
When Jesus called Bartimaeus, he didn’t hesitate. He threw off his cloak, a possession that may have been his only warmth and comfort and went to Jesus. Do we have the courage to cast aside what holds us back? Sometimes our security is found in things that can ultimately bind us, whether they’re our comfort zones, our pasts or even our fears. When we throw them off, we open ourselves to something far greater: the embrace of Jesus.

5. Being Clear in Our Request
When Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus didn’t hesitate. He was clear and honest: “Master, I want to see.” Are we as precise in our prayers? Do we approach God with bold clarity about our deepest desires? Perhaps we hold back, afraid to admit what we really need, but Jesus calls us to bring our hopes, our brokenness, our whole selves before Him.

6. Following Jesus on the Journey
After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus didn’t just rejoice and go his own way. He followed Jesus on a journey that would lead to Jerusalem, to pain and crucifixion. This wasn’t an easy path, yet Bartimaeus knew that to truly follow Christ meant to walk with Him, even through suffering.

Our lives, like Bartimaeus’, are marked by moments of blindness and healing. Through the sacraments we receive, we’re given the chance to see again, to shed what weighs us down, to follow with open hearts. Will we listen, cry out, and follow as Bartimaeus did? (Media Team)