For four Sundays in October, we have heard Chapter 10 of Mark’s Gospel. We began with the Pharisees trying to trick Jesus with a question about marriage and divorce and we learned that the kingdom of God belongs to children and those who have childlike faith (Mark 10:2-16). Then we heard about the rich man who wanted to “inherit eternal life” but didn’t have the courage to sacrifice anything to get it. He walked away from Jesus a sad person (Mark 10:17-30). Next James and John asked Jesus for positions of power and influence in the kingdom (Mark 10:35-45). Like the rich man they were disappointed. And today we end Mark Chapter 10 with the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar Jesus encountered sitting on the side of the road between Jericho and Jerusalem (Mark 10:46-52).
The story of Bartimaeus ends the chapter on a high note. While the rich man and James and John experienced sadness and disappointment when their petitions to Jesus were not granted, Bartimaeus received everything he asked for and more. When Jesus called him, Bartimaeus did not hesitate; he jumped up left his cloak (probably his only possession) behind and approached Jesus. Then Jesus asked Bartimaeus the same question he asked James and John, “What do you want me to do for you?" He answered "Master, I want to see."
Now at this point in the story nothing theatrical happens. All Jesus says to Bartimaeus is "Go your way; your faith has saved you." And the blind man received his sight. This is not particularly extraordinary in the context of Jesus’ ministry. He healed lots of people. What is extraordinary is Bartimaeus’ response. After receiving his sight Bartimaeus followed Jesus “on the way” to Jerusalem, to ridicule, to injustice, to suffering and finally to the cross. The rich man was long gone. James and John were still bumbling around trying to work things out. But Bartimaeus did not go his way; he followed THE WAY. Bartimaeus saw what the others failed to see. He saw that by following Jesus he would find true meaning, true goodness, pure beauty and clear direction for his life. Bartimaeus found the kingdom of God.
You could say to me, Fr Murphy, Bartimaeus had nothing to lose! And you would be correct. He had nothing to lose but he had everything to gain. He seized the opportunity. Not only were his eyes opened, his heart, mind and spirit were opened as well. It was his courage, his understanding and ultimately his faith that saved him. And so, the blind beggar sitting on the side of the road from Jericho to Jerusalem became the recipient of Jesus’ final miracle in Mark’s Gospel and the last disciple called by Jesus.
Our living God,
you are very near to us in our joys and pains.
Give us the eyes of faith and love to see
the mission you have given us in life
and the courage and grace to carry it out.
Make us also clear-sighted enough to see
the needs of people who cry out their misery
or suffer in silence,
that we may bring them your healing compassion
and lead them to you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
