Column: 'Your Faith Has Saved You'

Whenever Jesus tells someone, "Your faith has saved you," like he does to the (formerly) blind Bartimaeus in this Sunday's gospel, we should pay close attention. Jesus was evidently pleased with Bartimaeus and his conduct here, precisely his faith. So, we should learn from him and try to do likewise. 

Firstly, we should imitate Bartimaeus in his willingness to cry out to Jesus for help. He didn't just sit there and say, "I'm fine. I've got it all under control on my own." He realized that he was in need and asked Jesus to have pity on him. We can do likewise. By acknowledging that we need help, in whatever areas of life that might be, and asking Jesus to help us, we can practice the kind of faith that Jesus praises in Bartimaeus. 

Secondly, Bartimaeus persisted. Even when some of Jesus' own followers tried to make him stop, he kept asking Jesus for help. For us, let's not stop asking the Lord for the help we need, even when it becomes difficult. 

Thirdly, when Bartimaeus heard the words, ''Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you," it says "he very cautiously set his coat on the ground, slowly got up, and tip-toed to Jesus ... " No! Of course not. It actually says that "He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus." Bartimaeus knew the One who called him and was determined to go to him. Jesus called him and he went into action to respond. When the Lord calls us to respond to him and follow his call, let's imitate Bartimaeus in his earnest response. 

And finally, when Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted him to do for him, he honestly and humbly asked Jesus for what he needed. He didn't ask for anything extravagant, but he didn't ask too little either. He told Jesus "Master, I want to see." It was a big ask, but not too big for the Lord who responded with "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Let us too ask Jesus honestly and humbly for what we need, even (especially) if it's a big ask. He isn't a sinister trickster nor a miser. He is the one who came to make us whole and give us life in abundance with Him and His Father and their Holy Spirit. 

An abundant life that begins here on earth and comes to perfection in the life of heaven forever. "Fear not little flock, the Father is pleased to give you the kingdom." Let's practice the kind of faith that Jesus praises in Bartimaeus, that He might say the same of us: "Your faith has saved you."