Gospel Reflection for 28th of October The 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Blind Bartimaeus calls out for help
We have to be very careful not to simply assume that the ‘God’ of the Old Testament was angry, cruel and judgmental. The first reading this Sunday from the Prophet Jerimiah would suggest otherwise. This is a God who is personally and deeply concerned about his people. We are told that God will
‘gather them from the far ends of the earth… the blind and the lame, women and children, women an in labour. I will comfort them as I lead them back; I will guide them to streams of water.’
This is not a remote or distant God; this is a God who intimately concerned about and involved in the lives of his people.
These qualities of a caring and compassionate God are also seen in how Jesus deals with a blind man in the gospel. Blind Bartimaeus is sitting by the side of road when Jesus is passing by.
He must have at least heard about Jesus, because when he gets nearer, Bartimaeus starts to shout out, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ But those with Jesus try to stop him from causing trouble or even a scandal, but he is having none of this! He shouts even louder with more determination.
It seems for him as though nothing else matters but Jesus and the power he has. In response to his demand, Jesus asks Bartimaeus, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’
This is the very same question he asked James and John in last weeks gospel. They asked for power, prestige and positions of importance. Bartimaeus asks for something completely different; he simply wants to see. For him there is no grasping for power, glory or authority; he simply wants to be made whole again. It amazing to note that even though his disciples spent all their time with, they could not ‘see’ who Jesus really was. However, it was this blind Bartimaeus who could ‘see’ perfectly and clearly who Jesus was and what he had to offer. Perhaps he wasn’t so blind after all!
What has Bartimaeus to teach us? He is more ordinary and authentic than the ‘real’ disciples of Jesus. He is presented as a role model and prime example of discipleship. He cries out not for just physical sight, but for compassion. He recognises that his deep need for God’s power and grace is far more important than just the ability to see.
Bartimaeus knew what he needed and wanted from Jesus. When Jesus asks each us the same question, ‘What do you want me to do for you? what is our genuine and authentic response?
Is there a part or area of my life that needs the healing and compassionate touch of Jesus?
This week, can we look to Bartimaeus, a man of faith, courage and conviction who humbly presented to himself to Jesus in all his need?
Can we make his prayer our own today, ‘Master, let me see again.’
Then as we follow Jesus as he did, we can repeat the prayer of this Sunday’s psalm, “What marvels the Lord worked for us” Indeed we are glad!”
– Bro. Michael Moore OMI
You can read the full text of this Sunday’s readings here.
