Homily: 8th Week of Ordinary Time - Thursday - "Master, I want to see"

Immediately following in Mark’s gospel the passage about James and John seeking to sit at Jesus’ right and his left, which we heard yesterday, comes the story of Blind Bartimaeus.  Perhaps, Saint Mark was trying to show how the disciples still had a little spiritual blindness in them, but as Jesus could heal Bartimaeus, he can heal all of us.

Also, note, that the beginning of Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem was preceded by the gradual healing of the blind man at Bethsaida.  Remember how Jesus, gradually healed him by putting a little spittle in his eyes, then again putting his hands over his eyes.  Now, at right before they reach Jerusalem, there is another healing of a blind man—this time instantaneous and complete.

Jesus has been teaching the disciples along “the way”, gradually healing their blindnesses, but in Jerusalem they will fully see Jesus’ glory in his passion, death, and resurrection.

So, here they are, arriving at Jericho, about fifteen miles northeast of Jerusalem, the blind Bartimaeus is strategically located along the roadside where he can beg for alms from passing pilgrims.  Jesus has Bartimaeus called over to him, and evidently having heard about Jesus’ miracles, he throws his cloak aside, sprang up and came to Jesus. 

This is already a tremendous act of faith for a blind man. His cloak is his only means of staying warm. If Jesus does not heal him of blindness, he may never be able to find that cloak again in such a big crowd. In addition, by throwing aside his cloak, Bartimaeus can't prevent someone from stealing it.

Already possessing faith, he casts aside his cloak, he casts off his former way of life, he casts aside his doubt, and seeks the wholeness that Jesus can give him.  Unlike James and John, who also had just made a request of Jesus, Bartimaeus asks nothing for himself accept light. 

He received the healing salve of the Christian faith and followed Jesus on the way of discipleship. 

It's hard to admit weakness, sin, or even sickness. The blindness of pride often prevents us from being healed of other kinds of blindness. After Bartimaeus began calling out, "many people were scolding him to make him keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder" (Mk 10:48).

"Master, I want to see"! Lord, Show me my spiritual blindnesses and help me to see what I am not seeing.  Help me to see the many ways that you come into my life.  Help me to see my selfishness, that I may be led from former ways to holiness and radical discipleship for the glory of God and salvation of souls.