Today’s Gospel reading speaks to us about a blind man encountering Jesus near Jericho. This incident is a lesson of faith and discipleship for all believers. Bartimaeus means “son of Timaeus” and Timaeus in Aramaic means “unclean”. At that time blindness, like any other physical shortcoming, was thought to be the result of someone’s sin. Perhaps people believed that his father had sinned, which would make Bartimaeus the son of an unclean father. At the same time, this story is not only about the blind man but also about Jesus, who was not affected by the social stigma of that time. Jesus calls the blind man to him to transform his life forever. This story invites each one of us to turn our eyes on Jesus. He can meet us in our own life situations and transform our lives for the better.
Bartimaeus was physically blind, but had the inner sight to see Jesus as the Messiah. Many who followed Jesus were able to see him physically, but unable to see who Jesus really was. Bartimaeus’ spiritual insight helped him to receive physical sight. Because of his faith, he was able to see more than others and get what he wanted. He saw Jesus first with his faith and then with his eyes. Many people around us are waiting to see Jesus, and we should help them with the gospel. The flame of faith alive in each one of us must aid others to recognize Jesus.
We recite the prayer of Bartimaeus at the beginning of our Holy Mass: “Lord, have mercy upon me”. He is asking Jesus not only for healing but also for God’s mercy and love. He wants to be noticed by Jesus to receive a blessing from him. His prayer was strong enough to stop Jesus and to receive a healing touch from him. After Bartimaeus met Jesus, his life had a new direction and purpose. Since he has become rich with so many blessings, he gave up begging. Now he is telling everyone that Jesus is the light and life.
Bartimaeus knew what he wanted and as a result, he responded to the call of Jesus. He was a beggar and when he realized that Jesus was coming in his way, he made his final begging. He asked to have sight so that he could see everything clearly. But, after he was healed, he followed Jesus. He received a new insight into life when he met Jesus. Jesus gave him a new meaning and purpose in his life. As a result, Bartimaeus was willing to throw off his cloak as a sign of giving up his old way of life. He left behind his begging and was caught up in the movement with Jesus.
Bartimaeus recognized his need, followed Jesus’ call, and received everything he needed. Jesus asked Bartimaeus the same question he asked his two disciples when they wanted to sit at his right and his left. He asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus’ answer was different from that of the disciples: “My teacher, let me see again.” He wanted his sight, and he wanted Jesus to be his teacher. All he wanted in his life was to see clearly.
Bartimaeus has become an example of discipleship for all Christians. Just like him, we should ask Jesus to bless us to have the insight to see him. We should be willing to abandon our old way of life to follow Jesus. Let us pray to the Lord for the courage to dig deep and discover the joy of our Christian life. Let us ask Jesus to bless us to grow from sight to insight and from insight to oversight in our Christian way of living.
Rev. Dr. Mathew Charthakuzhiyil