Christ and the pauper | Andrey Mironov | 2009
Reflection:
Fear touches every part of our lives. We fear sickness, loneliness, financial loss, and ultimately, death. These fears can paralyze us, keeping us from moving forward. But in today’s Gospel, the story of Bartimaeus offers a profound reflection on how we can find hope through faith in Jesus.
Bartimaeus, whose name means “son of fear,” lived his life in darkness, unable to work or support himself, left to beg on the streets. Fear blinds us in a similar way, preventing us from seeing solutions, hope, or a way forward. Yet, when Bartimaeus hears Jesus is near, he doesn’t hold back. He cries out in humility, asking for mercy: “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.”
His cry is a model for our own prayer—persistent, humble, and trusting. Even when others try to silence him, Bartimaeus continues to call out, trusting that Jesus will respond. And Jesus does stop, calling Bartimaeus to come to Him. In an act of faith, Bartimaeus throws aside his cloak, a symbol of his old life, and asks for healing.
Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus answers simply, “Master, I want to see.” This is more than a request for physical sight. It is a recognition of who Jesus is—a surrender to His will and a desire for true discipleship. Bartimaeus gains his sight, but more importantly, he gains the ability to follow Jesus.
This story calls us to reflect on our own fears. When we cry out to Jesus, are we ready to respond to His call? Are we willing to throw aside our old ways and trust in His mercy, even if His response is different from what we expect? Like Bartimaeus, we are called not just to receive, but to follow—through our fears, through the cross, and into the hope of resurrection. Faith is not just belief; it is trust, surrender, and a willingness to follow Jesus wherever He leads.
Reflection Questions
- In your prayer, ask: “Jesus, where are my fears keeping me from fully trusting You? Am I ready to call on You in my struggle and listen for Your voice?”
- Reflect on this: “Am I clinging to an old way of living that keeps me from following Jesus more closely? What do I need to ‘throw aside’ in order to walk with Him?”
- Consider in quiet reflection: “If Jesus asked me, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ how would I respond? Am I seeking to follow Him, or just asking for what I want?”