Through Lent with Pope Francis
It is a profound spiritual experience to contemplate our loved ones with the eyes of God and to see Christ in them. This demands a freedom and openness which enable us to appreciate their dignity.
Amoris Laetitia 323
We can be fully present to others only by giving fully of ourselves and forgetting all else. Jesus is our model in this, for whenever people approached to speak with him, he would meet their gaze, directly and lovingly (cf. Mk 10:21). No one felt overlooked in his presence, since his words and gestures conveyed the question: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mk 10:51). This gives rise to a tenderness which can stir in the other the joy of being loved.
Scripture
Jesus Heals a Blind Man
Mark 10:46-52 NCB
Then they came to Jericho. And as Jesus, his disciples, and a huge crowd were leaving Jericho, a blind man, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside asking for alms.
When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be silent, but he only shouted all the louder, “Son of David, have pity on me!”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart! Stand up! He is calling you!”
Casting aside his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus.
Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me receive my sight.”
Jesus said to him, “Go on your way! Your faith has made you well.”
Immediately, he received his sight and followed him along the road.
Thought for Today
What do you want Jesus to do for you?
When have you felt seen and loved?
Pray with gratitude for those you have loved, living or dead.
Music
The Call sung by Celtic Woman written by Downes David Anthony, Graham Brendan Joseph