Family Bible Study - October 25th, 2009 - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Passage
Mark 10:46 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd
were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting
by the roadside. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began
to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many
sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of
David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.”
And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is
calling you.” 50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.
51 Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind
man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go;
your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and
followed him on the way.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Bartimaeus cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” How often
do you pray to Jesus to be merciful to you, to forgive you your sins? What
ways can you pray more for Jesus’ mercy?

2. Bartimaeus asked Jesus to allow him to see, to cure his blindness.
Sometimes we need to be cured of spiritual blindness, which prevents our
seeing God and his will in the midst of daily events. Sometimes, like the blind man, we may not see what God wants us to see. In what situations do you
need God’s help to see things more clearly? Are there things you do not understand that you need God’s help to see?

3. After the blind man was healed by Jesus, he began to follow him. Any gift of the Lord should bring us to follow him more. What prayers has Jesus answered for you? Did you respond like Bartimaeus and thank Him by following His ways?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry