Fr. Jerry Pokorsky: Reckless Persistence

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture, Oct 28, 2024

Fr. Jerry Pokorsky is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington who has also served as a financial administrator in the Diocese of Lincoln. Trained in business and accounting, he also holds a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in moral theology. Father Pokorsky co-founded both CREDO and Adoremus, two organizations deeply engaged in authentic liturgical renewal. He writes regularly for a number of Catholic websites and magazines.

Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, had a persistent and reckless faith (cf. Mk. 10:46-52). When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Despite the rebukes of the crowds, he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

Throwing off his mantle, he sprang up and came to Jesus. He said, “Master, let me receive my sight.” Jesus rewarded his persistence. He said, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And he received his sight and followed him on the way.

Like the Canaanite woman who relentlessly begged the Lord to cast out the demon afflicting her daughter (“Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table”), Bartimaeus is an Apostle of Persistent Faith. …