Today’s readings are filled with hope, communicating the message of God’s intimate relationship with us. Deep within us, we recognize that God seeks our freedom and joy and gently invites us to rise and walk with Him on the journey ahead. We can ask ourselves, “What is it that we indeed seek?

In our First Reading from the Prophet Jeremiah, we see a significant shift from his usual expressions of lament. After years of calling Israel to reclaim its identity as God’s holy people, he sings a song filled with hope. God, who allowed the people to experience exile, now promises a return for everyone—the blind, the lame, the little ones. This assurance emphasizes that no one is excluded from God’s love; all are accepted as they are as cherished children of God.

As we transition to the Gospel, we meet a blind man named Bartimaeus, whose story beautifully illustrates the core message of today. Jesus has been imparting profound lessons about life and discipleship, and now, through Bartimaeus, we see a powerful symbolic act that ties together His teachings. Bartimaeus cries out for mercy, undeterred by the crowd’s attempts to silence him. His unwavering faith leads him to Jesus, who asks him pointedly, “What do you want me to do for you?”
With clarity and conviction, Bartimaeus answers, “Rabbi, I want to see.” His request goes beyond mere physical sight; it reflects a deep yearning for wholeness and understanding of his true self and place in the world. In that moment, Jesus not only restores his sight but also empowers him to follow Jesus. He now has to live differently, not as a blind man by the roadside but as a cherished child of God.

We, too, experience various forms of blindness—perhaps struggling to perceive ourselves as God sees us or feeling overwhelmed by life’s distractions that cloud our true identity. We may often find ourselves on the sidelines, crying out for assistance while hesitating to embrace the healing Jesus offers.

Today, Jesus passes by each of us, inviting us to express our desires. However, we must ponder: Do we sincerely seek? The vision Jesus offers isn’t just about physical sight; it’s about perceiving ourselves through His loving perspective. It’s an opportunity to recognize our inherent worth, beauty, and our unique roles in His creation.

Reflecting on Bartimaeus’ journey from the roadside to following Jesus, let’s consider what it means for us to rise and walk with Him. This is where the challenge emerges: to accept and embrace our true selves in the light of God’s love. When we learn to love ourselves, we become equipped to share that love with others. Just as Bartimaeus was transformed and enabled to follow Jesus, we, too, are called to a life marked by generous service and authentic relationships, empowered by the insight we gain through Christ.

May we find the courage to seek sight—both of ourselves and our calling—so that we can rise, follow Him, and embody His love in the world around us.