Blindness

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Blindness

Truth     Faith

Shed     Cast-Off     Sin

I Want To See

Master

(picture and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Mark 10:46-52

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his followers and a big crowd, Bartimaeus, a man who was blind, the son of Timaeus, sat by the side of the road begging. 

On hearing that Jesus of Nazareth was passing on the road, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me."

And many in the crowd called out to him and told him to be silent. But he kept saying even more, "Son of David, have mercy on me."

Jesus heard this and said, "Call him."

So they went over to the blind man and said to him, "Be strong; get up, Jesus is calling for you." He immediately shed his cloak, rose up, and came to Jesus.

Jesus said to him in reply, "What is it that you would like me to do for you?"

The blind man said, "Master, I would like to see."

Jesus said to him, "Go on your way; your faith has saved you."

At once he was able to see and followed Jesus on the way.

Reflection

In our reading from Mark we encounter a blind man, Bartimaeus, crying out to Jesus. Naturally all those who are gathered around Jesus want him to be quiet so that the crowd can focus on Jesus.

We have to admire the persistence of Bartimaeus. He keeps on crying out even more!

Jesus recognizes his faith. He hears Bartimaeus call out to Him using the messianic title---Son of David. Jesus knows that this man is embracing the Good News.

One of the amazing aspects of this story is that it is the blind man who recognizes that the Messiah is in our midst. We also notice the immediacy of Bartimaeus's response: he sheds his cloak and goes to Jesus right away. No hesitation at all.

We can reflect on our own response to Jesus. Do we hesitate? Do we make excuses? 

Jesus does not presume to know what Bartimaeus needs. He asks him.

Can we hear the voice of Jesus asking us what we need today? Jesus values us enough, respects us enough, and loves us enough to ask.

Bartimaeus tells Jesus that he wants to see; but in so many ways he already does. Jesus acknowledges this by telling Bartimaeus that his faith leads him. Jesus knows that Bartimaeus truly believes.

It is interesting that Jesus tells him to go on his way but Bartimaeus decides that his way is going to be to follow Jesus. He knows that Jesus is the Master. 

He is blind no more.

In many ways he was never blind!

1. How persistent are you in following Jesus?

2. What would you like to ask of Jesus today?

3. Is Jesus your Master?

(scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)