30th Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]
October 24, 2021
Mark 10:46-52

The story of Bartimaeus is arguably one of the most compelling and beautiful stories in the Gospel. It speaks of a man crushed by unimaginable hardship who relentlessly seeks redemption and meaning in his life. He has to live with blindness and has been struggling with darkness his entire life. Things get worse as a society, and perhaps his family rejects him as a failure. Instead of getting proper help as a person with disabilities, he must face the cruel reality of discrimination. To survive, he must beg from those people who go in and out of the city of Jericho. I do not think that Bartimaeus is some lazy guy who squanders the government’s social program. He is genuinely a victim of an oppressive system. He is the wrong man in the wrong place and at the wrong time.

When Jesus is passing by, Bartimaeus does what he does best: to beg. He recognizes Jesus as the Son of David, the long-awaited Messiah, and begs for pity. Jesus hears his cry for help and calls him. However, something is interesting takes place. Jesus asks him, “what do you want me to do for you?” at first glance, the question seems silly. Of course, Bartimaeus longs to see! Yet, why does Jesus ask that question despite the apparent fact?

Jesus certainly knows what Bartimaeus needs, yet Jesus, as a good teacher, guides him to articulate his deepest desire. Then the miracle happens on a much deeper level. Bartimaeus no longer calls Jesus, ‘Son of David,’ a royal Messiah, and powerful king, but he addresses Jesus as ‘Rabouni’ [my teacher]. Bartimaeus is not simply longing for a perfect 20/20 vision, but fundamentally an intimate communion with Jesus: from a respectful yet distant relation between king and his subject to a warm and empowering friendship between a master and His disciple.

Thus, Bartimaeus’ second request, ‘I want to see,’ must be understood in this light. When his eyes are opened, the first person he sees will be no other than Jesus, his beloved master. His vision is meaningless unless it is to see Jesus. His deepest desire is to see Jesus and to be with Jesus. No wonder if the story ends with Bartimaeus following Jesus in His way.

The story of Bartimaeus is impactful and classic because his story is ours as well. We are blinded by many things that make our souls destitute and lamentable. We are chasing things that impoverish our spiritual lives. We may have the best the world can offer, but we know that we are missing something.

Beato Carlo Acutis famously said, “We are born original, yet many die as photocopies.” We are all born as God’s beautiful and unique image, but as we grow as ‘photocopies’ of celebrities, we watch on TV. We are looking up to social media influencers who parade their sports cars and wealth. We are imitating ‘charismatic’ public figures who do not live virtuous lives. We are blinded and soon die as ugly ‘photocopies.’ Thus, following the lead of the excellent teacher, we need to articulate what our deepest longing in this life is. Hopefully, like St. Thomas Aquinas, we will be able to say, “Nothing but you, O Lord!”

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP
photocredit: ryoji iwata