Manifest Interest and Willing Readiness

The Lord has important messages for us all through Bartimaeus, the blind beggar of the scripture passage today. Though he was sitting at the side of the road, when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and to say, ‘Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me’. Although many scolded him and told him to keep quiet, ‘he only shouted all the louder, Son of David, have pity on me’. Then our Blessed Lord stopped and said, ‘Call him here’. His next action demonstrates his ardent desire, manifest interest and a willing readiness to be healed. Scriptures says, ‘so he threw off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus’ and with a definite request, ‘Master, let me see again’. When he received his sight, ‘he followed him along the road’ (cf. Mk 10:46-52)

Beloved People of God, after the example of Bartimaeus, we too can manifest our interest. We can show our willingness and readiness to be healed, touched, helped by God. A weak and lacklustre expression or effort can be a demonstration of ignorance or faithlessness. Even at that, the Lord still shows understanding and proves that he has come so that ‘we may have life and have it in full’ (Jn 10:10). He comes to save his people…to gather them from the far ends of earth, all of them, the blind and the lame, women with child, women in labour, a great company…’ (cf. Jr 31:7-9). He is the true and eternal high priest who though sinless, ‘…can sympathise with those who are ignorant or uncertain’ (cf. Hb 5:1-6). 

May the faith that we have received inform our thoughts, our words, and guide our actions. May the words of Our Blessed Lord to Bartimaeus be addressed to us too, ‘Go, your faith has saved you’. May we jump up, throw off our cloak and hurry up to him as he beckons on us.

Fr. Ted

All to Jesus – Through Mary our Mother

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

27^th October 2024