Mc 10,46-52 – Thursday of the VIII Week of Ordinary Time
How beautiful is Bartimaeus’ prayer told in today’s Gospel. His is not a prayer made of formality or habit. It’s a scream. It is the prayer of someone who is praying with all their heart. «Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on me!». And while everyone tries to silence him, he shouts even louder.
It is as if he had understood something decisive: that before Jesus one must not be afraid to bring all one’s desperation, all one’s need, all one’s truth. Jesus lets himself be reached by that voice, stops, and asks him a surprising question: «What do you want me to do for you?». Bartimaeus responds clearly: «Rabboni, may I see again!». It seems like a simple request, but here lies the secret of every true prayer. Praying truly means learning to desire clearly.
Very often we pray only because they are driven by a feeling of unease. Bartimaeus, on the other hand, teaches something else: authentic prayer comes from a heart that knows what it is looking for. And it is precisely perseverance in prayer that, little by little, clarifies our heart. It helps us distinguish what is essential from what is superfluous. For this reason prayer is also a form of discernment. By praying well, we learn not only to talk to God, but also to understand ourselves. “Jesus said to him: “Go, your faith has saved you”. And immediately he regained his sight and began to follow him along the road.”
Thursday 28 May 2026 – (Thursday of the VIII Week of Ordinary Time – Even Year)
