Hearing that Jesus was passing by, the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, cried out, “Jesus, have compassion on me!” Many people scolded him to make him keep quiet. But he only called louder for help. “I want to see,” he said to Jesus. And he received his sight.
Mark 10:46-52
REFLECTION
Yesterday, the woman who gave Jesus a generous gift was severely criticized. Today, a crowd of people sternly rebuked Bartimaeus for “wasting the Lord’s time!” Maybe the same thing is happening to you this Christmas season. Some people may be criticizing you for your kindness to others; some may start scolding you for the way you (according to them) “waste precious time helping so-and-so” or “spend too long in your prayers or other pursuits that do not involve me.” Never mind. If love has
a part and a purpose in whatever you’re doing, then what you are doing
is already blessed.
BARTIMAEUS SPEAKS TO YOU
“Blessed are you when you ask Jesus to help you in your needs. Don’t be overly concerned about those who scold you for inconveniencing them. You know in your heart that your kindness to others and your appeals to God are Christ-connected. You are making a good Advent by spending time in such other-reaching ways. You are blessed because you have already embodied the healing hospitality of Jesus.”
PRAYER
Jesus, help me to do the right things this Advent. There are so many ways to spend my time, so many people asking for my help that it’s difficult to make the right choices. Don’t let me neglect to pray for my own needs; don’t let me neglect the needs of others. Then once I have set my course and my choices, don’t let rebukers ruin me with doubts. Amen.