This weekend gospel focuses our attention on blindness. The reality is that all of us are blind in one way or another. Many times things like insecurity, greed, fear, arrogance, or even prejudice can limit our sight. These things can keep us in darkness. They hide the truth.

In the gospel Bartimaeus was physically blind. He could not see but he was obviously able to realize the situation he was in. He, without having physical sight, recognized that Jesus was indeed the Son of David. His others senses were more alert which allowed him to find the Lord. In that moment of recognition he found not only his physical sight, but also a new way of living. From that point on, he was a follower of God.

There is a way in which blind Bartimaeus can be contrasted with the disciples. The gospels tell us the disciples of focused on themselves and often revealed a lack of faith. That is seen, for example, in the boat tossed about in the storm or when they did not understand that one cannot have glory without suffering – that is, without drinking from the cup which Jesus drank. When Jesus was arrested and tortured, they decided to leave him rather than to stand up and defend him. Their blindness was greater even than that of Bartimaeus. That is why he is such a good model for us today.

Let us ask the Lord to open our eyes and to remove any spiritual blindness that may be present in our lives. May we always see clearly the truth that leads us to God.

Sincerely,
Rev. Miguel González