Take courage; Jesus is calling you.

This world can be a hard place to live. There is hunger, sickness and unfairness. There is sadness, disappointment and despair. There are those who have lost hope, and those who can’t face the pain of another day. There are those who die while waiting for something better.

Bartimaeus, in today’s gospel, experienced many of these hardships. Yet when he answers Jesus’ call, he is healed. Bartimaeus regains his sight and his faith opens the door for eternal salvation. Putting his wretchedness aside, Bartimaeus opens his heart and lets Jesus in. Jesus heals. Jesus saves.

Jesus is always within calling distance. When our circumstances threaten to overwhelm us, reach out to Him. Will we experience immediate miracles of physical healing? Some will; many won’t. But without exception, we will be given hope and strength to carry our burdens in this life. We will have a place in His eternal kingdom where we can thrive without hardships.