Read Ecclesiasticus 42:15-26, Ps. 33:2-9, Mark 10:46-52
“Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (Mark 10:48)
The book of Sirach today teaches us that nothing can ever be hidden from God. It says: “For the Most High knows all that may be known… No thought escapes him, and not one word is hidden from him.” (Sirach 42:18-20). So if God knows all that is to be understood, why do we still need to pray? Why did Bartimaeus call out to Jesus since Jesus knew what he wanted?
Prayer is not a matter of informing God because, before we start praying, He already knows what we will say (cf. Matthew 6:8). Prayer is a relationship that raises our minds and hearts to God. Prayer begins with acknowledging who God is. This is why Jesus taught us to start our prayer with praise. (Our Father in heaven, hallow be your name…)
Praise leads to positive expectations. And when there is a positive expectation (faith), it no longer matters whether or not we use words. The woman with the issue of blood did not shout or scream; she touched Jesus’ garment. Considering his condition, Bartimaeus had to call to get Jesus’ attention.
Prayer is powerful, but it is not magic. When we pray, we do not exercise power and authority over God; we beg from Him. We may not always get a “yes” from God, but our prayers are never wasted. Jesus heard Bartimaeus calling, but to test him, Jesus continued to walk along. Many told Bartimaeus to keep quiet, but he shouted all the more. He would not allow the crowd to discourage him.
Bartimaeus’ persistence became a practical application of the lesson Jesus taught us in the parable of the unjust judge (cf. Luke 18:1-8). To give up on prayer is to fail the test of faith. Bartimaeus’ cry included praise. He praised Jesus by calling Him the “Son of David” even when Jesus ignored him. Like Paul and Silas, who found the courage to sing praises to God even in prison (cf. Acts 16:25), Jesus stood still at that point and said: “Call him here.”
Continue to praise God even when things are difficult. Prove to God that you value your relationship with Him more than what you are asking for. Do not be like that friend who only remembers you when in need and forgets you once they get what they want from you. God is your Father, not something you use and dump.
When Bartimaeus was brought to Jesus, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Till that moment, Bartimaeus did not state what he wanted; he was only singing the praise of Jesus. Jesus wanted him to express his request with his mouth. This can be likened to God saying to Solomon: “Ask whatever you wish.” (cf. 1 King 3:5). God wants us to exercise freedom in asking, but then we must remember that some prayers (such as asking for the death of our enemies) are not good.
Bartimaeus asked for his sight, and Jesus said: “Go; your faith has made you well.” This shows us that faith by itself is therapeutic. Your faith is capable of restoring you to health and wholeness. Just believing in what God can do is enough to attract your miracle. Unlike the blind man whom Jesus rubbed clay on his eyes (cf. John 9:6), Jesus did nothing for Bartimaeus; his faith was strong enough to open his eyes.
Let us pray: Almighty Ever-Living God, grant us the grace of persistent faith so we may never be discouraged in prayer. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Justin, Martyr, Bible Study: Ecclesiasticus 42:15-26, Ps. 33:2-9, Mark 10:46-52)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu