Bartimaeus was a man with many troubles. He was blind, he was a beggar, and the people around him were obstacles on his way to healing. Today’s Gospel passage tells us that he was sitting by the roadside. He was not just hanging out with friends; he was not waiting for anyone in particular, and he was not even expecting Jesus; he was there to do what he did every day; he was there to beg for money, just money to keep him alive for the day. He probably was happy that there was no rainfall to keep people indoors. He was glad to hear footsteps, and he was expecting a handful of them to pity him and give him some money. Then, suddenly, he started hearing people say Jesus was walking along with the crowd. He immediately remembered some of the stories he had heard about Jesus and the miracles he had performed. He forgot about the money he was begging from the people; then he started calling on Jesus, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.”
This beggar had one physical disability; he could not see. Instead of letting that disability keep him down, he focused on what he could do with his strength. He used his hands to beg for money, he used his voice to talk to his prospective donors, and his ears were very attentive to happenings around him. When he heard that Jesus was passing that way, he used his voice to get Jesus’s attention. But those around Jesus rebuked him. However, Bartimaeus was very clear about whom he was talking to. He addressed him not only by his first name but also by adding his ancestor, saying, “Jesus, Son of David.” Why, then, did the crowd get in his way? Bartimaeus did not direct the call to them. Thank God Bartimaeus knew who he wanted, and he knew what he wanted. He refused to be distracted, and so he kept dialing the correct number, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.”
In life, there are always those who are very comfortable with our discomfort, those who take pleasure in our displeasure and are not ready to stand any attempt we make to improve ourselves. They give us every possible reason why our efforts will not yield results. Some bullies are always out to prevent us from seeing our strengths while emphasizing our weaknesses. Around different figures of authority in government and even in the Church are those secretaries, personal assistants, etc., who will always make the boss look unapproachable. Unfortunately, we have the “Holier than thou Christians” who are always there to discourage repentant sinners from coming to the Lord. If you are a victim of such crowds, please ask yourself, “What do I want? Who do I want?” Then shout until the one you want gets your attention and gives you what you want.
Jesus stopped and said to the crowd, “Call him.” They called the blind man and said, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” That happens when you know who you want and what you want. Those in the crowd were distracting him, but he knew Jesus was the one he wanted; he would not let them distract him, and he kept focusing on the one he wanted, Jesus, Son of David. When he finally got Jesus’ attention, the same crowd began to serve the blind man. Not only did they come to call him, but they also told him to take courage. Notice how those who stood as stumbling blocks were just referred to as the crowd while the blind man was given a proper name, Bartimaeus. When you know who you want and what you want, you will go places.
Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Remember, the blind man sat by the roadside to beg for money. Jesus wanted the blind man to publicly show that he knew the difference between Jesus and others. He begged others for money, and he begged Jesus for what only Jesus could do; he said, “Master, I want to see.” Then he received his sight. Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Instead of going his way, as soon as he received his sight, he followed Jesus all the way.”
Reflecting on this story, I can quickly see a contrast between Bartimaeus and the rich young man that we read about two Sundays ago. When Jesus told the rich man to sell his goods, give the money to the poor, and come follow Jesus, he became sad and went away. But in the case of Bartimaeus, after Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you,” rather than go his way, he followed Jesus on the way; indeed, because Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life.” My Dearly Beloved in Christ, I don’t know what you are going through now. I have no idea of the kind of blindness you are experiencing, and I do not know the number and nature of bullies serving as obstacles on your way to receiving your blessing. Remember, if you stop to throw stones at every dog that barks at you, you will never get to your destination. Know who you want, know what you want, and never argue with anyone until you arrive; it is then your results will speak for you.
Great lesson indeed.
Thank you so much!