That is such an interesting dialogue in the Gospel: “Jesus said to [Bartimaeus], “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
I have no doubt that each one of us would love to hear that question from Jesus. Maybe our response will be immediate and without thought. Or maybe we might want to think about it. Thinking about it would be a very advisable course of action.
I use myself as an example. You know I’ve been deaf since 7 years old, and there is a lot I miss. A friend asked me: “Can you hear the cardinals singing?” I had to say no.and she was so disappointed because it is apparently such a lovely birdsong. Phone conversations are out, accents are difficult to understand, and I can’t hear myself talking in my sleep (which apparently I do! Yikes!!!).
I thought for a long time about responding to the Lord’s question by saying “I want to hear.” But then I thought: Y’know, I love the silence. That is huge for me. I think of all the night noises I haven’t head since I was 7. 7/=It’s also fun to keep people guessing: did he hear me or is he ignoring me? I know.bad boy.
The point is that sometimes we have to think of the repercussions when we ask Jesus to grant us something. Everything Jesus gives us, asked for or not, is meant to bring about change. Are you ready for a change you might need to make? Are you ready for someone else to change, because that means you’ll have to adjust to the new reality. Bartimaeus had a tremendous amount of faith. He not only received sight, but also insight. He was ready.
Now if the Lord would give me a really good singing voice
O Sole Mio!!
