May 28, 2026 // Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
Reflect on the Word //
The nurse gently wheeled me into the recovery room, and the light blurred as my eyes fluttered open post-surgery. Shapes came before clarity. Sound before sight. Soft, muddled voices floated past as we moved down the hall. The steady beeping of monitors. Doors opening and closing. The quiet rhythm of wheels rolling beneath me. I couldn’t see clearly yet, but I was aware—deeply aware—of my environment, even if I couldn’t fully perceive it. Though my vision lagged behind, I had faith that this was where I needed to be in order to heal.
Bartimaeus, though he could not see, knew and believed that he was exactly where he needed to be to receive the healing he had desired for so long. He cries out, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me” (Mark 10:47). He is silenced, and yet persists. It is his persistence in faith that draws Jesus’ attention as Bartimaeus calls out all the more. Jesus literally stops in His tracks. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asks (Mark 10:51). And Bartimaeus replies without missing a beat, “Lord, let me receive my sight” (Mark 10:51).
Bartimaeus, though blind, was familiar with his surroundings. He listened to the crowd. He heard the name of Jesus and saw with his heart. How did he know of Jesus? Had Jesus passed him by before? Had he asked to be healed before? How long had he waited for this moment? Bartimaeus did not wonder if Jesus could heal him— he already knew.
It is through Bartimaeus’ direct request that I realized that I often approach Jesus with caution, reluctance, and doubt—is my need worthy of Jesus’ attention? What if He doesn’t come through? How long must I persist?
Jesus will not pass you by. He never has and never will. Perhaps we keep trying to make sense of our circumstances with our physical eyes, and He's inviting us—instead—to see with our hearts. We can trust Him with our healing. We can let go of control today and, like Bartimaeus, believe that He will not pass us by.
Relate to the Lord // Have you been reluctant to share with God how you feel and what you need? Tell Jesus about it.
Shalini Blubaugh is a Minnesota transplant living in Coppell, Texas. She served with NET Ministries and went on to graduate with her J.D., though happily left all things law behind. Along with her roles as wife and mom, she now runs her own company, Pray. Train. Grow., as a Certified Fitness Trainer and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Her mission is to help Catholic women grow STRONG in mind, body, and heart through the integration of Faith, fitness and food.
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