GOSPEL
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
As Jesus left Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (that is, the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, 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.’ And many of them scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he only shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him here.’ So they called the blind man. ‘Courage,’ they said ‘get up; he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus. Then Jesus spoke, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Rabbuni,’ the blind man said to him ‘Master, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has saved you.’ And immediately his sight returned and he followed him along the road.
(Mark 10:46–52)
DID YOU KNOW?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- The title ‘Son of David’ was one applied to the longed-for anointed one of God. Its use here indicates that Bartimaeus has recognised Jesus as the Messiah.
- The ‘blind faith’ of Bartimaeus contrasts sharply with the lack of insight and understanding we have witnessed from the disciples in recent weeks.
- Jericho is the main town on the west bank of the Jordan River in the south. It was the crossing point for people journeying from the north and led to the main road up to Jerusalem, 22 kilometres away. Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, and to his death, has almost ended.
- In Hebrew, Bar means ‘son of’ in much the same way as Mac is used in Scotland. When a Jewish boy undergoes his Barmitzvah, he becomes a ‘son of the law’.
- While Rabbi means ‘master’ or ‘teacher’, Rabbuni is usually employed to express familiarity with or devotion to the master or teacher.
EXPLORING THE WORD
This scene from the gospel is very easy to picture in our minds. A blind beggar sits in the dusty gutter in his despair and abandonment. Most people would look the other way and ignore him. To be afflicted in such a way was thought to be a result of sinfulness. But Bartimaeus hears the noise of the crowd and tunes in.
No doubt, in the commotion, he hears others saying that it is Jesus of Nazareth who approaches. The cry of Bartimaeus is very instructive: ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ The blind man recognise not only who Jesus is, but what he can do. He is the Messiah, therefore he can make the blind see. Jesus responds with a classic invitation to discipleship: ‘Call him here.’ In response to this call to come to Jesus (and in contrast to the rich young man), Bartimaeus leaves behind what is probably his only possession, his cloak, and presents himself in his nothingness, ready to be filled with all that Jesus can offer. His faith, his receptivity and his response to the invitation are rewarded. His sight restored, he follows Jesus along the road. What a profound lesson there is to be learned from Bartimaeus.
- From whom do you learn in your efforts to follow Jesus along the road?
- ‘They told him to keep quiet’. Are there voices that try to discourage you as you journey forward?
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- Have you called out to Jesus as blind Bartimaeus did?
What would you call? - ‘Your faith has saved you.’ What does this mean to you at this point in your journey?
- What are you prepared to ‘throw off’ in order to follow Jesus?
- Have you ever been in a position where someone took pity on you? How did you feel?
- Share a time when you were moved to pity someone else? What did you do? How did they respond?
- ‘Courage, get up; he is calling you.’ Reflect on these words this week. What are you being called to at this moment? Find ways to act on that calling this week.
- Use this week’s psalm response as your prayer:
The Lord has done great things for us;
we are filled with joy.
SHARING THE TRADITION
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God's word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Bartimaeus recognises and acts on his need for healing. He approaches Jesus and asks for mercy. All of us are in need of God’s mercy and healing, and the Church offers us this in the form of the sacrament of penance. Christians understand sin as a ‘rupture of communion with God’ that damages our communion with the Church (CCC, §1440). Through this sacrament, the faithful become reconciled to God and to the Church, and increase their spiritual strength through the grace conferred by the sacrament.
- Introduce catechumens to the concept of reconciliation and the role of this sacrament. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (§§1420–98) has ample material on which to base a discussion.
- Explore the Church’s understanding of ‘sin’ and our constant need for healing and reconciliation.
- Explain the different rites of reconciliation and when they are appropriately used.
SYMBOLS AND IMAGES
The faith of the blind man Bartimaeus, who recognises Jesus as the Messiah, is contrasted with the blindness of the disciples, who have bickered and argued with each other along the road. Bartimaeus has become a true disciple, while those chosen to follow Jesus seem unable to understand what discipleship entails. The response of Bartimaeus is perfect. He follows Jesus on the road.
LIVING THE WORD
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- What opportunities are there in your community to celebrate the sacrament of penance? Explain what takes place. You may need to go through a suitable formula in order to prepare catechumens for this sacrament after their baptism or reception.
- Use a candle and open Scriptures as a focus for prayer. You could use the penitential rite of the liturgy or adapt part of the eucharistic prayer for reconciliation. Take time for quiet reflection on our need for healing. Invite participants to reflect on what needs healing in them. A suitable song could be ‘A trusting psalm’ (GA 455) or ‘Cleanse us Lord’ (GA 136). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in RCIA at §94A.