The flow of the Church year (this Sunday is Quinquagesima (50 days before Lent) is making the connection between the healing of Bartimaeus and 1 Cor 13 (the Love Chapter). It's reminding us that the main thing to pray and fast about during Lent is that God would give us more love; a revelation of love. Are we ready to receive it?? (Hint: Forgiveness and repentance are keys - which is why we ask for this before Lent begins.)