As we near the close of the Book of Leviticus, God issues a stern warning to the people of Israel. If they fail to trust Him, if they fail to worship Him alone, if they fail to keep to the covenant, His punishment will be severe. However, He maintains His promise to Noah that he will not destroy them completely as He wishes to maintain His relationship with His chosen people and honour the ancient covenant.
So strong is God’s will for His people that He is prepared to sacrifice His only son, Jesus Christ, to redeem humankind once and for all.
As Jesus makes his way into Jerusalem with his disciples, James and John ask for something Jesus cannot give them – places of honour in the Kingdom of God. Whilst they have seen Jesus during his three years of ministry, they still do not understand his mission.
The blind beggar Bartimaeus on the other hand has never met Jesus but he calls out to him all the same for healing. And Jesus heals him instantly because of his faith.
Those of us who have spent a life-time as Christians should be wary of what we ask for in prayer, because we may think we know what we need but may in fact be blind to our real needs – humility, trust and love. Sometimes it takes a stranger to point out the blindness in our lives for it is often the blind man who really sees.
Scripture: Leviticus 25:47-27:13; Mark 10:32:52; Psalm 45:1-17; Proverbs 10:22
Contemplative Catholic 