(Reflection #1 in a series of spiritual reflections leading up to World Youth Day in Krakow, July 2016)
There is a striking feature common to many of the healing encounters Jesus has with the sick, lame and blind. In these, the needy are able to express clearly and unambiguously what they want Jesus to do for them.
We see this is the meeting of Jesus with the blind beggar Bartimaeus. Jesus was making His way out of Jericho with his disciples. Bartimaeus, who was sitting by the side of the road, heard the crowd approaching. On learning that it was Jesus who was passing by, Bartimaeus seized his opportunity.
Bartimaeus began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Many rebuked him so that he would be silent.
But all the more he cried out, “Son of David, have pity on me!”
Jesus stopped and said, “call him”.
So they called the blind man: “Cheer up! Get up! He is calling you.”
He threw aside his garment, jumped up and came to Jesus.
Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man answered, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
And Jesus said to him, “go, your faith has healed you.”
Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. (Mk 10:47-52)
What do you want me to do for you? When Bartimaeus heard Jesus’ question he didn’t hesitate. This point must be recognized: before Jesus would work in Bartimaeus’ life, He needed the man to express what he wanted from Him.
Do we know what we want Jesus to do for us?
At World Youth Day we will find ourselves in the position of Bartimaeus. We will encounter Jesus in the midst of a crowd. He will pass by. He wants to work in our life as He did in Bartimeus’. There is a catch, though. We need to know specifically what we want Jesus to do for us. We can forget this step. Since our need can be hard to point a finger, we end up asking Jesus for help in a general way or not at all.
What do you want me to do for you?
Take some time to search your heart in order to discover what it is you want to ask Jesus to do for you during your World Youth Day pilgrimage. You can start by brainstorming a list and then narrow it down until you are left will one point. How can Jesus help us if we do not know what we want Him to do for us?
