Daily Gospel Reflection for October 27, 2024

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

Reflection by Fr. Edward Looney

Today's Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

The life of Bartimaeus changed because he met Jesus. Before Jesus approached him on the side of the road, he was blind. After talking to Jesus and answering the question “What do you want me to do for you?", Bartimaeus was able to see.

How did Bartimaeus hear about Jesus? He obviously knew that Jesus could do something for him since he cried out from the side of the road. Did Bartimaeus hear about Jesus from people who passed by him on the road? Maybe they stopped and talked with him after they heard Jesus' teachings?

As a blind man, Bartimaeus relied upon someone else to tell him who Jesus was and what He had done. But now, as Jesus prepared to pass by, how did Bartimaeus hear that Jesus was coming? Was there great excitement in the town such that everyone was calling out for Jesus? Or was there one other person next to him who told him?

As he was crying out for Jesus to have mercy on him, Jesus called Bartimaeus over. “Jesus is calling you” is what they told Bartimaeus. Jesus could have gone to Bartimaeus and sought him out, but he wanted Bartimaeus to come to him. It would be the last time he needed someone to guide him. Jesus wanted Bartimaeus to know he had dignity and worth.

In this encounter with Jesus, a request is made, and Jesus opens Bartimaeus' eyes. The first person he sees is Jesus—the one whom he had heard about and, now, the one who healed him. We have heard about Jesus. Maybe we need to ask Him to open our eyes so that we might see Him, His will, and His work more clearly in our world and lives.

Ponder:

Who has shared something about Jesus with you most recently?

Pray:

Thank You, Lord, for the people who have told me about You and Your wonderful works. Open my heart to receive Your mercy and my eyes to see Your goodness.

Copyright 2024 Fr. Edward Looney

Fr. Edward Looney is a priest of the Diocese of Green Bay, a Marian theologian, author, and podcaster. His book How They Love Mary is available from Sophia Institute Press and the podcast of the same name can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.