The blind man: “Lord, I want to see.”
Mark Chapter 10
This little conversation in the gospel for Sunday challenges us to know what we really need in our life. The man is blind, so when asked what kind of help he needed, he was quick to respond . . . “I want to see!”
For us the answer is sometimes not so simple. Why? Because we want so many things! Particularly when we are younger.
What do young people want and long for? Let me guess . . . to be pretty or handsome. To be popular with many friends. To date the cutest girl or guy. To be recognized for some talent. To excel at sports. To be smart. (Then there are the “minor wants” like a trip to Disney, sleep overs, pizza!, Summer vacation, a drivers license.)
When we get older our wants get a little more sophisticated. Things like financial security, good health for ourselves and family, certain possessions (home, car, leisure) that add comfort to our life.
Let’s be clear, each of these things are good. Who wouldn’t want any or all of these? But this is not your everyday. Today you’re meeting Jesus Christ. He is our connection to God. He is the one asking you, “What do you want me to do for you?”
And your answer? “Lord, I want . . . . . . . . . “ What?
Not so easy is it. We have to dig deep to discover just what is the desire of our souls. Take some time with this one. Put yourself in the gospel story (Mark 10: 46-52). You are the blind person. You’ve been selling pencils on the corner for years. Jesus is here. You call out. He asks, “what do you want?”
It’s all very personal of course, but here are some thoughts as to what one might consider
- Freedom from whatever keeps you chained to harmful habits and ways of treating people. Freedom from fear, resentment, greed, lust, anger. What keeps you in chains?
- An ability to love again in the face of past disappointments, betrayal, tragedy.
- A personal experience that will let me know that God loves me and I can give my life to His care.
- A powerful life changing help for someone I love. Something that lets them see the light and turn from the darkness.
- A personal Faith that doesn’t turn away from the problems of human history but one that never despairs of the final victory of God and the salvation of the human race.
- The children. The children. Protect them Lord.
- A grace to hold on to hope in the face of personal loss and sadness.
- That every single human being, born and unborn, go to heaven.
Okay. So we ask the Lord these things or something similar. Now what? Two things happen, I think. First, Jesus has shown you what you REALLY want. You experience your heart of hearts and that’s where God is!
Secondly, all those other “wants” take their proper, lesser order. We see them in a new perspective. They don’t have the control over us they once had; we’re in touch with something bigger and more important what God wants in us.
Never give up.
Fr. Tim
PS. But can I still ask God . . . for you know . . . Go Bills? Of Course!!
