“Go your way, your faith has saved you.”
The blind man, Bartimaeus already knew about Jesus. In fact, we would characterize Bartimaeus as a believer. He knew that Jesus is the Messiah. This part of the blind man’s faith journey, we don’t have any details about. What else do we know about Bartimaeus? But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Bartimaeus persisted, despite a lack of encouragement from many people around him. Actually, the lack of support seemed to motivate him to all the more want to connect with Jesus.
When Jesus calls the blind man, suddenly the crowd switches around from discouraging him to saying: Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you. Jesus asks the blind man: What do you want me to do for you? Jesus knew very well that the blind man wanted to see. Jesus wanted him to say so. In the same way, Jesus very well knows all our needs. He wants for us to reach out in prayer, with trust and perseverance. Bartimaeus had an unwavering confidence in Jesus – nothing would deter him.
Bartimaeus becomes a follower of Jesus on the way –meaning on the way to Jerusalem and the Paschal Mystery. We do not know the remainder of Bartimaeus life, or how many were led to Jesus by his enthusiastic discipleship.
Who do we have in our lives, like Bartimaeus, reaching out to Jesus? Do we encourage them? What ways can we help them?
May God bless us all always!
Deacon Mike