This message will begin our 2022 Season of Lent by talking about the restored vision of the blind beggar, Bartimaeus. The hymn, Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior (UMH # 351) is the inspiration for this series of messages as we recognize Jesus’ ministry “on the road.” As we travel the journey of Lent beginning this Ash Wednesday, may we join the chorus of Biblical witnesses in pleading, “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior.” The story of Bartimaeus offers us the opportunity to embrace our humility and desire to see ourselves as we really are and to see Jesus as he really is – our gentle savior.