Amazing Grace

Reflection Date: May 28, 2026 | Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12; Mark 10:46-52

Children of God:
The beloved hymn Amazing Grace has a powerful story behind it. 

It was written by John Newton, whose life was far from holy in his early years. 

He worked as a slave trader, deeply involved in a system that caused immense suffering. 

During one violent storm at sea, he feared for his life and cried out to God for mercy. 

That moment marked the beginning of his conversion. 

Although his transformation took time, he eventually left the slave trade and became a minister. 

He later became an advocate against slavery, using his voice to fight the very system he once supported. 

The song he wrote reflected his journey from darkness to light. 

Its famous line, “I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see,” captured his personal experience. 

At first, he believed his life was already beyond redemption. 

But his life was a testament of amazing grace.

His story continues to inspire people around the world.

In the gospel of Mark, a blind man named Bartimaeus sat by the roadside begging. 

When he heard that Jesus passed by, he cried out for mercy despite being told to be silent.

Jesus called him forward and asked what he wanted. 

He replied that he wanted to see. 

Jesus healed him because of his faith, and immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. 

What can guide us today as we reflect on this?

First, faith gives us the courage to call out to God even in the worst of times.

In the story of Bartimeus, Mark, the people told him to be quiet, but he cried out all the more. 

His persistence showed a deep trust that Jesus could help him. 

He did not allow obstacles to stop him.

Bartimaeus recognized his need and boldly expressed it. 

Even when others tried to discourage him, he held on to his hope. 

It pushed him to seek Jesus despite the noise around him.

In our lives, there are moments when we feel discouraged or ignored. 

Sometimes people or circumstances try to silence our prayers. 

Yet we are invited to keep calling out to God. 

Faith gives us the courage to call out to God even in the worst of times.

Second, encountering Christ transforms our vision and direction in life.

Jesus said, “Go your way; your faith has saved you” (Mark 10:52). 

Immediately, Bartimaeus regained his sight and followed him. 

His healing led to a new path of discipleship.

In our daily lives, we are also invited to see differently. 

When we encounter Christ, our priorities shift and our direction becomes clearer. 

We begin to follow him more closely. 

This transformation is a journey that continues each day.

Encountering Christ transforms our vision and direction in life.

As we reflect, we ask ourselves: Do I persist in prayer even when I feel unheard or discouraged? 

In what ways is God opening my eyes to see my life differently? How can I follow Christ more closely in my daily decisions?

Children of God: 
The story behind “Amazing Grace” and the healing of Bartimaeus remind us that transformation is always possible. 

Faith allows us to call out and be heard. Grace opens our eyes and changes our path. 

No past is too dark for God’s light. 

No situation is too hopeless for his mercy. 

May we open our hearts to God’s amazing grace.