30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Sunday 27 October 2024
Mk 10,46-52

“Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way”
(Mk 10,49-52)

Jesus’ walk with His disciples draws attention and animates the curiosity and interest of the many who desire to see Him and greet Him. In the midst of the noise, there is a blind man lying at the side of the road with his cloak on. Mark the Evangelist also tells us the man’s name: Bartimaeus, meaning “the son of Timaeus”.
The latter, awakened and intrigued by the clamour, asks what is happening. The people say to him: “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by”. The blind man, who is not mute, upon hearing that Jesus of Nazareth is there, begins to shout: “Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on me!”. The shift from being called the ‘Nazarene’ to ‘Son of David’ is enormous. In fact, in the Bible the title ‘Son of David’ refers specifically to the Messiah of Israel. Despite being blind, Bartimaeus sees what those who have sight cannot see: the Messiahship of Jesus. And so illnesses, needs, problems, can open the eyes of faith and be a decisive push to recognise what not even those with good eyesight see: a special presence, which can change our situation. St. Augustine said: “I fear the Lord who passes by”. That is, I fear not noticing the Lord’s passage!
The people try to silence Bartimaeus, but he shouts louder! Sometimes it is important to raise your voice, to cry out to the Lord to get his attention. And He stops and calls him.
Bartimaeus responds with the following actions: He THROWS OFF his cloak – his safety and protection from the elements; he LEAPS to his feet – responds promptly; he GOES toward Jesus; he SEES again; and he FOLLOWS Jesus.
We can observe that the purpose of the meeting between Bartimaeus and Jesus is not the regaining sight, but the following of the Master!
Let’s not allow ourselves to be intimidated by the voices that try to silence us, and let us continue to manifest our faith in Jesus, despite apparently unfavourable circumstances… with words: Son of David, have mercy on me!, and with deeds: throwing off our cloak, leaping to our feet, and following Him!

p. Giuseppe