*Sunday 27th October 2024 Daily Reflection and Meditation*
_The Blind Bartimaeus: Lord, that I may see._
*Good morning/afternoon/evening!*
Jesus accompanied by a large crowd was leaving Jericho. Seated by the road side was a poor blind beggar. Referred merely as Bartimaeus, that is, the son of Timaeus, he has no name. He is a nobody. Sensing the crowd and commotion, he knows his need and that Jesus is around.
He begins to shout: “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” The crowd scolds him. He shouts out all the louder. “Call him here,” said Jesus. Throwing off his cloak on which he was seated, his only possession, he jumps up and goes to Jesus. He has such deep faith, convinced that Jesus is going to restore his sight that he discards all that he owns. “Master, let me see again.”
Bartimaeus knows his own poverty; but he also knows Jesus’ power. He accepts his own dark-blind world. He believes that Jesus can restore his sight and bring him back into the light. This is the first condition of prayer: to know who we are and to know who Jesus is. Bartimaeus had lost his sight. He wanted to see again. Like Bartimaeus, once we could see. But we become blind and have blind spots. We are blinded by pride, prejudice, passion. We need healing. We need to have our sight restored. Healing begins when we accept and acknowledge our need, even when we are nobodies.
*Have a blessed Sunday*
THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B 2024
*"Lord, I Want to See"*
_As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” Mark 10:46–47_
*Readings: Jeremiah 31:7-9. Hebrews 5:1-6. Mark 10: 46-52.*
Today we meet Bartimaeus, a blind man, sitting by the roadside, begging. When he hears that Jesus is near, he cries out with urgency, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Despite the crowd's attempt to silence him, he cries even louder. Jesus stops, calls Bartimaeus to Him, and asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus’ reply is simple but profound: “Master, I want to see.” Jesus heals him, and immediately Bartimaeus regains his sight and follows Jesus.
What does it really and truly mean to “see?” Sight is not just about physical vision. Bartimaeus’ blindness represents all the obstacles, distractions, and misunderstandings that can cloud our spiritual vision and keep us from seeing Christ clearly and following Him wholeheartedly.
1. The Courage to Cry Out
Bartimaeus shows us the courage we need to cry out to God, even when others try to discourage us or silence us. Despite his blindness, Bartimaeus recognizes Jesus for who He truly is – “Son of David,” a title that signifies the Messiah. In our lives, there are moments when we feel like Bartimaeus: marginalized, silenced, or feeling distant from God’s presence. Yet, his faith and courage lead him to call out. No matter where we are on our spiritual journey, God hears us. Bartimaeus teaches us to approach God with humility and boldness, acknowledging our need for His mercy and grace.
2. “What Do You Want Me to Do for You?”
Jesus’ question to Bartimaeus may seem unnecessary – it’s clear that Bartimaeus wants to be healed. But Jesus asks this question to give Bartimaeus the opportunity to express his desire, his faith, and his heart's deepest longing. Jesus wants to hear from Bartimaeus directly, just as He wants to hear from each of us. Sometimes we might be uncertain or afraid to ask God for what we need. But Jesus invites us to approach Him openly and specifically. He wants to respond to our deepest needs and desires. What is it that you truly want from Jesus? Peace? Healing? Strength to overcome a particular challenge? Like Bartimaeus, we are invited to trust that Jesus is ready to respond.
3. Following Jesus: A New Vision and Purpose
When Bartimaeus regains his sight, he doesn’t just return to his old life. He chooses to follow Jesus on His way. This healing is not just about physical sight; it’s a transformation of the heart, a deepening of faith that leads Bartimaeus to become a disciple. For us, to “see” means to gain a new perspective, to let go of what keeps us in darkness, and to follow Jesus with a renewed sense of purpose. It’s a reminder that true healing isn’t just about removing pain or problems but about aligning our lives with God’s will and living in the light of His love.
Conclusion: “Lord, I Want to See”
Bartimaeus’ words are a powerful prayer for each of us: “Lord, I want to see.” May we ask Jesus to remove whatever “blindness” prevents us from living fully in His light. This might be spiritual blindness, prejudice, pride, resentment, or anything that distances us from God and one another. The same Jesus who heard Bartimaeus hears us today and responds to our prayers with love and mercy. As we say with faith, “Lord, I want to see,” may He grant us new vision, so we may follow Him more closely and love others more deeply. Amen.
*Have a blessed Sunday*
_Rev Fr Francis Wambua, SJ_
*Jesuits in South South*
_Sending from Holy Cross Parish-Yirol_
_(Catholic Diocese of Rumbek)_