BLIND FAITH
As Jesus left Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (that is, the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting at the side of the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and say, “Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.” And many of them scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he only shouted all the louder, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they called the blind man. “Courage,” they said “get up; he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus. Then Jesus spoke, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Rabbuni,” the blind man said to him “Master, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has saved you.” And immediately his sight returned and he followed him along the road. Luke 18 : 35-43
• Losing sight of Jesus is not uncommon among those who have started out in faith. For whatever reason, the once-close relationship can disappear. Perhaps our God has not come up to expectations. In disappointment, maybe in anger, our hurting heart turns elsewhere in an attempt to find happiness. And the blindness begins to set in. We start to hold out our hand to receive the transient offerings of the passing world. But no-one ever asks us what we would really like to receive, because the world is only interested in selling us its need. Who but God alone, maker of our heart, can truly know our heart’s desire?
And in our loneliness we reflect on the past relationship we had with God. Was it really that bad? If only I could get the chance to meet with him again? Perhaps this time things would be different? But how? And then an angel of the Lord mentions Medjugorje and the wonderful Godly experiences that are happening there. And so the journey of reconciliation begins...
We know there are countless pilgrims who journey to Medjugorje with their heart silently crying: “Lord, restore me, restore my sight. Let me see again.”
In our searching soul we sense that Jesus will not pass us by when we acknowledge him and call out his name. Our ‘yes’ to pilgrimage is confirmation of this desire to find him. So should we be surprised when Jesus responds to our call with his loving words: “Your faith has saved you, receive your sight!”?
How many millions of times has a loving relationship with Jesus been re-ignited at Medjugorje with these beautiful words of love? I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Dear children! Today the Lord permitted me to tell you again that you live in a time of grace. You are not conscious, little children, that God is giving you a great opportunity to convert and to live in peace and love. You are so blind and attached to earthly things and think of earthly life. God sent me to lead you toward eternal life. I, little children, am not tired, although I see that your hearts are heavy and tired for everything that is a grace and a gift. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message,October 25, 2006
Dear children! These days I call you especially to open your hearts to the Holy Spirit. Especially during these days the Holy Spirit is working through you. Open your hearts and surrender your life to Jesus so that he works through your hearts and strengthens you in faith. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, May 25, 1985
Little children, believe and pray that the Father increase your faith, and then ask for whatever you need. I am with you and I am rejoicing because of you conversion and I am protecting you with my motherly mantle. Thank you for having responded to my call. part Medjugorje message, April 25, 1988