(The gospel writer Mark is speaking to us.)

Jesus asked the blind beggar Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus replied, “Rabbouni, for me to see again.”

It was a stunning reply, which both surprised and intrigued me. He didn’t call Jesus “Rabbi”(Teacher) but “Rabbouni”(My Teacher.) His choice of words implied a previous relationship; this was not the first time he had encountered Jesus. They had met before.

And Bartimaeus asked to see again, an implication that he had once been able to see. He was asking for renewed vision.

I began to realize that Bartimaeus was not only seeking physical healing, but re-awakening of faith. That’s why I included his story in my Gospel. We all stand in need of an ever-renewed trust in Jesus. Bartimaeus teaches us to cry our need and acknowledge our blindness. Faith is knowing that we are beggars. Faith is jumping up at the word of Jesus, rushing to Jesus, and leaving behind anything that might hold us back.

Lord Jesus, our Teacher, give us the gift of seeing again. Amen.