Penetrate the Heart

Penetrate the Heart

May 30, 2013

Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart; their innermost being he understands.  The Most High possesses all knowledge, and sees from of old the things that are to come: He makes known the past and the future, and reveals the deepest secrets.  No understanding does he lack; no single thing escapes him.  Sirach 42:18-20

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.  Mark 10:49-52

Piety

Father, we have been told to ask and we will receive.  Give us the faith to ask of you what we lack and what we know in our hearts we need.

Jesus, we have been told to seek and we will find.  Give us the eyes to seek what we need to fulfill your mission in life.

Holy Spirit, we have been told to knock and the door will be opened.  Give us the courage to knock on the doors that we fear.  Amen.

Study

Bartimaeus had no reason to be hopeful.  He was blind.  He was outcast.  He had no reason to think anyone would help him.  Yet he persisted and provides for us the hope of prayer. 

Too often we focus on what Jesus asks of us.  Yet, Bartimaeus forces us to confront how audacious our requests are of the Lord.  When Bartimaeus finally got the Lord’s attention, he sprang up and came over to Jesus.  Jesus knew what was in Bartimaeus’ heart long before the encounter occurred.  Granting his request was the easiest decision Jesus needed to make in this encounter. 

Action

Who does the calling in your prayer life?  What is deepest in your heart?  Do you have the courage to ask the Lord to help you assist with that need?