Daily Gospel Reflection for June 1, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

Although I have always loved the name Justin, it wasn’t until a few years ago that one of my family members finally chose this saint’s name for their child. Coming from a Catholic family where my parents boast of thirty grandchildren, that was quite surprising!

Justin was a philosopher and a student of Christianity, who never seemed to tire of seeking out the truth of the Gospel. He faced attacks from the pagans and some of his writings have been passed down to us. For his strong adherence to his beliefs, he was beheaded.

We see a similar persistence in the blind man named Bartimaeus in today’s Gospel. Despite the rebukes of the bystanders, he repeatedly cried out “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” His faith did not wane when he was asked to bite his tongue, but rather he cried out all the more.

Yet when Jesus told them to call him, they felt the need to approach him saying, “Take courage; get up.” I don’t think Bartimaeus needed courage. I think he was an example of courage to those around him. When Jesus asked him what he wanted, he didn’t fall speechless or begin stuttering or making excuses, he simply stated:

“Master, I want to see.”

He came face to face with the Son of God and had the valor to say “Master, I want to see.” Now, that’s some courage!

And in His loving and merciful kindness, Jesus simply stated:

“Go your way; your faith has saved you,” and gave him the gift of sight.

May we learn from both St. Justin and Bartimaeus on this day, to be persistent in and adherent to our beliefs, so that God may grant us also the precious gift of spiritual sight.

Ponder:

Do I take courage when God calls me? Is courage something I should pray for?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, You saw the courage of Bartimaeus and healed him of his blindness. Heal us from any spiritual blindness and grant us Your sight.

Click to tweet:
May we learn from both St. Justin and Bartimaeus on this day, to be persistent in and adherent to our beliefs, so that God may grant us also the precious gift of spiritual sight. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Tami Urcia