We all desire a clear path, an understanding. I heard a critic once give a review of a play. Basically, they said that they didn’t like the ending, because it left you up in the air. It didn’t have a very clear ending. It left you sort of uncertain. The path that the lord invites us upon in our Christian living, is very clear. Following him along the way, certainly has resolution and a, ending. It leads us to new life. You know, as we reflect on the readings today, we know that God wants us to follow the right path. He wants us to be on the right path that leads to life with him forever. He gives us Jesus, the way, Jesus the truth, and the life.

In the first reading, Jeremiah speaks of this offering of hope and joy for the people of God, who are in exile. He speaks to the blind, and the lame, women and children. He speaks to everyone, that God has a plan for them. Although they may not understand that plan, or may be in difficult times, they depart in tears, but the lord will console them. The lord will lead them and bring them to brooks of water. God wants to lead his people on the right path. Jeremiah wants to remind them, and offers them this joy and hope as they trust in the lord.

Well, on his own journey, with a sizable crowd, Jesus in today’s gospel offers similar message of joy and hope. Bartimaeus is a blind man, along the roadside begging. He hears that Jesus is near. He calls out to him. Jesus, son of David, have pit on me. He keeps calling, although many told him to be silent. Jesus asks to call upon him, call upon Bartimaeus. They tell Bartimaeus, “Take courage, the lords calling you.” He gets up then, and he goes to Jesus. Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Master. I want to see.” With these words, Bartimaeus expresses faith, calling upon Jesus as the son of David, the master and that he wants to see. Those are the words of faith. “Go on your way,” Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you.” He receives his sight, follows him along the way. Begin the gospel there along the roadside, but now he is on the path. He is following the lord. He’s no longer in the dark, but he knows what’s clear. He knows the resolution that is about to be played out. Through Jesus, he has a path to eternal life.

Where are we? Well, in these days, before All Saints Day, we are reminded to reflect on that, and to look to the holy men and women who’ve gone before us, those saints, who inspire us along the path of the lord. Their courageous and understanding, their faith is very clear. They have a clear understanding of the path that the lord invites them upon. Let’s follow their example, through our lives this day, to go the path that leads to eternal life, a path that leads to Jesus.