“What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51)

This was Jesus’ question to Bartimaeus, the blind beggar who was sitting beside the road as Jesus was passing by.  Bartimaeus had cried out to Jesus despite efforts by the crowd to shut him up.  When Jesus heard his cries for help, the Gospel of Mark tells us that he stopped and called Bartimaeus to him and asked the above question.  Bartimaeus said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”  Jesus said, “’Go, your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”  (Mark 10:46-52)

How would you respond if Jesus asked you the same question, “What do you want me to do for you?” 

Over the years I have asked Jesus for guidance in making decisions, for healing for others and myself, and for his blessings on our family and friends.  This has included a major career decision impacting both my career and family; the healing of an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer and its subsequent recurrence; post-career decisions on what activities and ministries to participate in upon retirement; and the day-to-day response to life’s challenges and opportunities. 

Sometimes the response is not as quick as Jesus’ healing of Bartimaeus.   Marilynn and I prayed for each of our children to marry Christian spouses and raise Christian families.  While his response evolved over time, he certainly answered our prayers.  We asked Jesus to bless our daughter, Emily born with Down syndrome, so she could be a source of joy and love to our family and others.  A couple of years ago he gave her a ministry of serving coffee and cookies after weekday masses.  She loves greeting people with a hug and handing them a cup, and they love her in return.

Jesus is always available.  Sometimes I mess up and forget to ask him, and the result usually reflects my lapse.    

How would you respond if Jesus asked you what he could do for you?