Bartimaeus was blind. Many people had no pity on him, but instead scolded him to keep him quiet and out of sight (Mk 10:48). Jesus had pity on him and healed him (Mk 10:52).

A leper was treated without pity by the masses. He had to keep out of the way, calling out, "Unclean, unclean!" (Lv 13:45) Jesus saw him, was "moved with pity," touched him, and healed him (Mk 1:41-42).

A vast crowd was hungry for the word of God. Jesus "pitied them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them at great length" (Mk 6:34). Then He fed them with a miraculous multiplication of loaves and fish.

What about you? Are you sick, hungry, out of a job, without sufficient housing or money, rejected, forgotten, hurting, unloved, or persecuted? Are you "in tears"? (Ps 126:5) Cry out with Bartimaeus: "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" (Mk 10:47)

Jesus is the same today as He was in the Gospels (Heb 13:8). He is full of pity, mercy, and compassion for You (see Ps 103:8). You may be in a desert now (Ps 126:4), but Jesus can turn even the hottest desert into a place of refreshment and rejoicing (Ps 126:1-6; Jer 31:9).

Jesus is looking at you, full of pity and love. He asks you: "What do you want Me to do for You?" (Mk 10:51) Jump up and come to Jesus (Mk 10:50).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 6, 2006

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