Thursday of the Eighth Week of Ordinary Time
Once again, Jesus asks the question “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mk. 10:51) This time, it is blind Bartimaeus, who wants nothing more than to see, and has every confidence that Jesus can help him. Unlike James and John, who wanted bragging rights, Bartimaeus wants to be made whole. For the rest of his life, Bartimaeus will be a living sign of God’s power, and a reminder to all that God wishes to heal us. This is the difference between the request of James and John and that of Bartimaeus.
As we try and purify our desires, this is a question we can ask ourselves: Will this desire lead to my flourishing? Every desire leads us somewhere. Follow the path that your desire will take if it is fulfilled. Ask whether this will lead to your fulfillment, or just give you something to talk about. Ask whether it will allow you to show forth God’s power, or remind others of your own. Above all, ask whether it will lead to a growth in faith, hope, and charity, and from there to your salvation.