Today Robert picked the three of us up for Church as usual and right on time. Mini was ready before anybody, standing like she had important business at St. Mary’s. Sister Mary Claire smiled at her and said maybe Mini understands more than we think, especially when there is a ride with Robert and a quiet pew waiting.
On the way to Church, I kept thinking about how the road seems so familiar now. The same fields, the same fences, the same turns, and then St. Mary’s waiting there like a safe little place for souls. I was glad we were going to Holy Mass.
Father LeRoy preached about the blind man Bartimaeus, who sat by the roadside begging. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” Some people told him to be quiet, but he would not stop. Father LeRoy said that is one of the most beautiful things about him. He knew he needed Jesus, and he was not ashamed to call out.
Father said sometimes a soul can be a little blind too, even if its eyes work. We can fail to see what God wants, or fail to see our own faults, or fail to see how close Jesus really is. But Jesus never walks past a poor soul that calls to Him with faith.
I liked the part where Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” Then the people said, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” Father LeRoy said those words are for us too. Every time we go to prayer, every time we go to Confession, every time we come to Holy Mass, it is like Jesus is calling us closer.
On the way home, Sister Mary Claire said Bartimaeus threw aside his cloak and sprang up because he did not want anything to hold him back from Jesus. Robert said that was real faith, not just sitting and hoping, but getting up when the Lord called.
I looked down at Mini, sitting so pleased with herself, and I thought how quickly she comes when she hears my voice. Maybe I should come that quickly when Jesus calls me in my heart.
Tonight I want to remember Bartimaeus. He began the morning blind by the roadside, and he ended by following Jesus on the way. That is what I want too—not just to ask for help, but to follow Him after He helps me.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus, please have pity on me too. Help me to see what is good, what is true, and what You want from me. When You call me, help me to get up quickly and follow You with a faithful heart. Bless Father LeRoy, Robert, Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and all of us at Camp Littlemore tonight. Amen.
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A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 10:46-52
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Love,
Kathy
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