I once talked to someone who told me that he used to be a practicing Catholic and that he prayed a lot, but at one point he gave it all up since he didn’t feel like God was listening or responding to his prayers. After that, his faith weakened, and unfortunately he stopped talking to God - sad. However, how many times do you feel that way -- like giving up because you don’t hear back from God? I also feel that way. But when I read the Gospel for today, I find hope and faith that God does listen, and He will answer me one way or another. I just need to be patient and never give up. Bartimaeus, a blind man, knew that Jesus was close, was walking by, and so he started screaming, calling Jesus’ name, because he believed that Jesus could open his eyes. “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me. And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” We all know what happened later. Only because of Bartimaeus’ persistence was his vision restored and he could see. We also need to be persistent and call on Jesus’ name even if others are telling us to remain quiet, and that God does not listen.
