wish list (part 2)
“What do you want Me to do for you?” —Mark 10:51
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks the blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (Mk 10:51) In yesterday’s Eucharistic readings, Jesus asked this same question of Sts. James and John (Mk 10:36). Their answer was focused on self, asking for positions of honor. But they did ultimately get the message and gave their lives for the Lord. St. Peter was among the group that grew indignant at the request of James and John for high honor (Mk 10:41). Peter eventually wrote the text in today’s first reading urging us “not to indulge [our] carnal desires” (1 Pt 2:11). He knew from Jesus’ response to James and John that our carnal desires must be replaced by the humble desire to serve God.
The blind Bartimaeus asked to be able to see, according to his legitimate needs. Bartimaeus’ subsequent decision to follow Jesus showed that his heart was in the right place. Jesus told Bartimaeus, “Be on your way” (Mk 10:52). Bartimaeus chose to follow Jesus, deciding to make Jesus, Who is “the Way” (Jn 14:6), his own way.
How would you answer if Jesus asked you, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Would you answer like Sts. James and John did in yesterday’s Gospel, by asking for something to satisfy your own vanity? Or would you answer like Bartimaeus, asking for something that will enable you to follow the Lord more deeply? Jesus is waiting for your answer.
Prayer: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name give glory” (Ps 115:1).
Promise: “Beloved, you are strangers and in exile; hence I urge you not to indulge your carnal desires. By their nature they wage war on the soul.” —1 Pt 2:11
Praise: Al trusted the Lord to provide a godly bride for him. He occupied himself with serving the Lord through the Church, and God brought into his path the woman whom he married.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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