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. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!)
Reflection: With God, anything is possible!
About two decades ago a faithful follower of Christ went to meet with their doctor for a check-up. After much routine tests, the doctor contacted their patient and made arrangements to meet with them right away. The doctor had bad news. The tests revealed that the patient had cancer of the lungs, and instructed the patient to make arrangements for an appointment to return soon so that they can figure out the best options for treatment. The patient made an appointment to return within a few weeks, then reached out to their parish and prayer community to ask for prayers for healing.
A few days later, someone rang their doorbell. To their surprise, it was one of members of their prayer community! The visitor then shared that they had been praying and received a prompting from the Holy Spirit to visit and pray for them. So, the visitor prayed for the person who was not well and asked our Lord Jesus for their healing, then left shortly after.
A few weeks later, the patient went back to meet their doctors to figure out the best treatments, and more tests were conducted. A couple of days later, the doctor called to have additional tests conducted. The person complied and had more tests done. Another day passed and the doctor called up the patient for a meeting. Fearing the worst, the patient went to their appointment with some members of their family.
The doctor began by apologizing for having so many tests done as they need to double check all the results. The doctor then shared in a joyful tone, I cannot explain it, but your lungs are completely clear! The cancer is gone! With great joy, the patient and their family gave praise and thanks to God, and shared the good news of the miracle to all!
Brothers and sisters, miracles do happen! With God, anything is possible! The event shared did happen! The person was completely healed. Miracles do occur through faith and prayer just like how the blind man Bartimaeus was healed by our Lord Jesus!
Miracles happen everyday that we are just not aware of. Sometimes prayer requests for healing are answered immediately, sometimes while receiving treatments over weeks, or even months and years. And sometimes our illness may never heal.
What is important is to continue to trust in God and always remember that we are never alone. God knows what we are going through and He is always with us. Continue to be faithful in our prayers and have regular conversations with our Lord Jesus. Share about our joys, our sadness, our challenges, our frustrations. our petitions, as well as our success and triumphs!
Our current lives on earth are temporary and eventually, we will one day pass way. May we always remember that through any hardships, illnesses and challenges that we may have to endure in this lifetime, our Lord Jesus will always be there to guide us, strengthen and comfort us, until the day He calls us to be with Him, to be reunited in the forever with our loved ones in the eternity of His Heavenly kingdom.
Action for the Day:
Make a list of all who have asked for prayers for healing. In silent prayer, give thanks to our Lord Jesus for all our blessings. Share our thoughts with Jesus, then ask God to continue to guide and strengthen us daily. Lift up all who are on our prayer lists. Please also ask for the continued strength and healing of Deacon Ray Emnace, Dr. Bob, Lupe, Maricel, Monica, as well as all who have asked for prayers. Lord Jesus, please touch us with Your healing hands. Grant us your tender mercy, strength, as well as the as grace of your presence and the joy of Your peace.
Audio Reflection:
