Readings (Year B):
Jeremiah 31:7 – 9
Psalms 126:1 – 2, 2 – 3, 4 – 5, 6
Hebrews 5:1 – 6
Mark 10:46 – 52
Reflection: The humble and persistent encounter the grace of God
As a theology teacher at a Vincentian high school, I begin each year by introducing my ninth-grade students to St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. We delve into their history and lasting impact on the church and the world, and their role in inspiring the Catholic community to rethink what it means to be church, especially during a time when church leadership was grappling with the reforms of the Council of Trent in response to the chaos of the Protestant Reformation.
Vincent and Louise did not prioritize perfect doctrine or sacramental practice; instead, they focused on establishing communities built on the gospel of Jesus—his good news for the poor, the vulnerable, and the abandoned. They recognized that Christians are called to live like Jesus, sparking a movement of charity and service that continues as a global force today. As I approach the readings for this week, Vincent, Louise, and their companions are on my mind, prompting me to reflect on the very virtues they exemplified.
The Vincentian virtues—humility, meekness, zeal, simplicity, and self-discipline—serve as foundational principles for living a life of service and love. They encourage us to embrace humility, recognizing our dependence on God and the intrinsic value of others. Meekness invites us to approach others with gentleness, while zeal compels us to act passionately for the sake of those in need. Simplicity reminds us to seek clarity and authenticity, and self-discipline helps us cultivate the habits necessary for spiritual growth and service.
In light of these virtues, our gospel for today offers a profound illustration of how humility and persistence can lead to healing and transformation. The story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, beautifully captures the essence of these virtues, demonstrating that it is often the humble and persistent who encounter the grace of God most profoundly.
As we reflect on this passage, we see how Bartimaeus exemplifies humility and zeal. His deep, sincere faith arises from a place of desperation and need, reminding us that true faith often comes from those who are marginalized. His determination to call out to Jesus, despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, serves as a powerful example of how humility and a relentless spirit can lead to transformation. When Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus simply replies, “Rabbi, I want to see,” revealing both his faith and his profound understanding of his need for Jesus.
This moment resonates deeply with me as an educator. It challenges me to consider how often I encourage my students to articulate their own needs and desires in their spiritual journeys. Just as Bartimaeus’ cries are heard, our voices, too, deserve to be heard. And it challenges me to consider the ways in which I may sound more like the crowd, placing limits on who I feel is deserving or not due to my own narrow judgments and arrogance.
Ultimately, Bartimaeus receives his sight, and in this he serves as an important example for us. His healing reminds us that those who humbly seek Jesus, regardless of their circumstances, are often the ones who experience profound transformation. In their humility, they share the purest faith. They approach Jesus believing in the impossible, truly placing faith in his power.
In my own life and in my role as a teacher, I strive to approach each day with a spirit of humility and persistence, knowing the true wisdom can come from unexpected places and that the gospel is simple—the gospel is love. I pray that our church might consider the historical moment that we find ourselves in and seek to return to these Vincentian virtues, seeking Christ with unwavering determination, so that we can be vessels of his love and healing in a world that desperately needs it.
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