30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus asked the same question in today’s gospel passage as he asked in last week’s passage; “What do you want me to do for you?” Last week the question was directed to the brothers James and John, today the question is directed to the blind man Bartimaeus. How different are the answers! James and John were filled with self-centered ambition, they were blinded by the pursuit of greatness. Their answer to Jesus was “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” The answer of Bartimaeus revealed that his eyes of faith was active and attuned to Christ. He was well aware of his blindness and so he simply asked Jesus for his sight. “Master, I want to see.” In addressing Bartimaeus, Jesus confirmed him to be a man of faith, for this blind man could already see Jesus through the eyes of faith before his physical sight was restored.
The gospel tells us that immediately after receiving his sight, Bartimaeus followed Jesus on the way. This great miracle is seen as fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah in the first reading. It is a hymn of praise and rejoicing thanking God for what he will do for his people. “I will gather them from the ends of the world, with the blind and the lame in their midst…I will lead them to brooks of water on a level road, so that none shall stumble.” That Bartimaeus followed Jesus on the WAY is a play on words. First, ‘on the way’ was the earliest term to describe Christians; the early followers of Jesus were known as people of the Way. The term ‘Christian’ came only later and from Syrians. Second, ‘following him’ is most unusual in a story of curing and it reminds one of the words of Jesus, “…one must carry his cross and follow me”. Thirdly, miracle-working by Jesus in the midst of teaching his disciples emphasizes the meaning of ‘carrying the cross’ (8, 31 – 10,52), which is the end of our story. Putting this story as closure is thought to emphasize that, if one can only see by faith, one will follow Jesus.
What can we learn from this encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus? The blind man was well aware of what was wrong with him, and he desired to be cured. Therefore, when he cried out to Jesus and was rebuked by the crowd, he did not become silent but shouted louder. He showed great courage to keep professing his faith in Jesus despite the hostile crowd. His courage, faith, and the quality of hearing can teach us that when we publicly proclaim our faith we too might invite scorn. A second lesson we can learn is that even though Bartimaeus was blind, Jesus did not approach him, Jesus allowed Bartimaeus to approach him. If he really desired healing, Bartimaeus would find a way to enter the presence of Jesus. It was clear to all that Bartimaeus was blind and yet Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He has to clearly name his problem, and do so himself. When we need to be cured of blindness of any kind, then we need to approach Jesus and tell him what’s wrong. We actually have to NAME it. Certainly, Jesus already knows our needs yet he tells us “Ask and you will receive.” “Your heavenly Father will surely give to those who ask.” A third lesson we can learn from this encounter is that once Bartimaeus was called by Jesus, “He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.” The old cloak could be a symbol of his past, his suffering and darkness. In throwing of the old cloak, he stepped out in faith, and Jesus did not disappoint him. This poor blind man knew what he wanted, and knew who could help him. May we come to know the same.