Lately the daily gospel readings have really resounded with me. In the reading from May 29 (Mark 10:46-52) the blind man, Bartimaeus, is given his sight by Christ.

They came to Jericho. And as he 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, he 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.

What really stands out to me is when…Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. Now this is a very powerful story, and so for many people the most significant part of the story is the simple fact that a man is given sight. This is most definitely amazing, but to be honest it’s not that surprising to me. God has given me tremendous graces during my life, so I no longer doubt his ability to work amazing miracles. I have full confidence that God is capable of anything.

But in this story, Bartimaeus receives an exceptional gift, and he immediately drops everything to follow Jesus. As I think back to some of the amazing gifts that God has given me, I don’t think I have ever responded as well as did good Bartimaeus. I received the gift, said thanks, and then went on unchanged. I suppose each gift has changed me somewhat, little by little, but I have never reacted the way that I probably should have.

I pray that I may someday have the faith to follow God with the reckless abandon of Bartimaeus.