Homily, October 27, 2024
From The Pastor
Even the best stories can grow old and lose their impact after several hearings. This effect is evident in our hearing of the Word of God. The events and encounters given us from the life of Jesus can too easily lead us to the punch line long before it is proclaimed. Ah, we think, I know this one and I know how it ends.
The power and grace of the Word of God, however, is timeless with an endless capacity to inspire, awaken, convert, or convict the attentive listener. The same story can be told and retold with different inflections that influence how it is heard that it may reveal a different movement in the faith of the hearer.
Consider today’s story about Bartimaeus, the Blind Man. Fresh details may help us hear the story in a new way. Jesus is on the road moving closer to Jerusalem as he prepares for his passion and death. Jericho is about fifteen miles from Jerusalem; another two-or three-day’s journey for Jesus and the disciples. In Mark’s gospel, this is the last miracle Jesus performs before his passion. On the road with Jesus and his followers are crowds of people on their way to the Holy City to celebrate the Passover feast.
Jericho was a city known to have many blind beggars lining the streets seeking alms from the passing crowds. It was a lonely and dark life for these unsighted beggars trying to be seen and heard. Bartimaeus seems to be different. He knows of or has at least heard about Jesus. Put yourself in his place. Consider yourself in his circumstance. Would you have called out to Jesus? Would you have made a scene even though others around you are trying to keep you quiet? Somehow, Bartimaeus is undeterred.
This man is blind, but he is not disengaged with life. He is not forlorn, nor surrendered to his fate in life. This man wants to see. He wants to be more fully alive and actively engage in the faith he holds. He believes in Jesus. How else would he have boldly shouted out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” Not just once, but many times. People around him did not want to hear it. Maybe they did not believe it, or care to be troubled by its truth? In your need and desire for Jesus, would you cry out in such a way? Would you allow others to silence you as you seek the attention of the Lord?
Bartimaeus is aggressive and persistent in his desire to have a face-to-face encounter with Jesus. Would you act in this way in your desire for Jesus? Are you like that now? For Bartimaeus, this was not a passing shot in the dark. He must have felt this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity he was not going to miss. He believed and he wanted to be heard. Is this kind of energy in your faith walk with the Lord?
Once he gained the attention of the Lord, Bartimaeus does not miss the moment. Jesus gives the perfect opening and it is an opening that is offered to all of us. Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you? As clear and direct as he could be, Bartimaeus pleads, “Master, I want to see.”
Pay attention to how Jesus responds. He says, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Jesus sees faith and desire in the man’s eyes knowing it comes from deep in his heart. Jesus is pleased. He is encouraged, even happy and consoled by such faith as he draws closer to his death for the sake of all. Jesus makes no claim on the man by saying, “Go on your way.” Bartimaeus is free to go and live his life as he wishes in the faith he holds in Jesus. With such faith, Jesus appears confident the man will go and do good work that will aid in the coming of the Kingdom.
Receiving his sight, free to go his own way, the man chooses to immediately follow the way of Jesus towards the Cross. What happens to this man later is not known to us, yet we can be confident it was something that served the Lord.
How does the story strike you this time around? There is much each of us could take from the story. Most obviously, what do you want Jesus to do for you? Maybe not as obvious, do you have the faith and courage of Bartimaeus to ask for your needs so boldly? Do you desire a face-to-face encounter with Jesus or is a silent plea to the heavens enough for you?
Jesus says to Bartimaeus, ‘your faith has saved you.’ Is your faith saving you? Do you perceive the salvation of Jesus active and present in you? Bartimaeus shows this by his persistent and direct request of Jesus. Then he follows Jesus on his way. What might that look like for you?
What Jesus offered to the Blind Man, he is offering to each of us personally in our stance and place in life. How might you respond to this offer? Will you allow Jesus to respond as he wishes and not only as you expect?
Father John Esper
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