30th Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]

October 27, 2024

Mark 10:46-52

Bartimaeus is a blind man, and his life is full of suffering. The ancient world was a cruel place to live and even merciless for people with disabilities. In some ancient cultures, babies born with physical imperfections were abandoned in the forest or thrown into the ravine. They were cursed and would bring a curse to people around them. If people with disabilities survived childhood, they grew marginalized, bullied and mocked. Bartimaeus was begging, and it was the only option left to survive. The city gates of Jericho were the ideal places because many people would traverse these passages.

However, despite being blind and poor, Bartimaeus was the first to call Jesus the son of David. The title “Son of David” is unique because several important prophecies in the Old Testament point to the Son of David. The famous one is from 2 Samuel 7, which says that God will establish the kingdom of the Son of David forever (v.13). Similar prophecies can also be found in Isaiah 9:6-7 and Jeremiah 23:5-6.

Deep in his heart, Bartimaeus knew that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies that would be the King of Israel forever. Ironically, no other disciples called Jesus with this important title. It takes a blind man to see the truth. Then, Jesus affirmed Bartimaeus’ confession and granted him the miracle of sight. The story ends with Bartimaeus following Jesus. Perhaps this is why Mark was able to write the story of Bartimaeus. He remained a follower of Jesus even after Jesus’ death and resurrection, and his name was known to the early Church.

Bartimaeus is one of the few characters who recognized Jesus’ true identity in the Gospel of Mark. The irony is that these characters are not followers of Jesus. Unclean spirits called Jesus ‘the holy one of God’ (Mr 1:24). The Roman centurion, an enemy of the Jews, acknowledged Jesus as the son of God (15:39). The Syrophoenician woman, a gentile, addressed Jesus as Lord (7:28). The only disciple who recognized Jesus’ true identity was Simon Peter when he confessed Jesus is the Christ or Messiah (8:29). Yet, Peter also failed to understand what he was confessing as Jesus rebuked him for having wrong idea of Jesus’ Messianic identity.

Through Bartimaeus and other characters, Mark gives us an important lesson. Yes, we are followers of Christ. Yes, we are baptized. Yes, we go to the Church every Sunday. Yet, it does not mean we see who Jesus is. We may confess Jesus is God, but do we love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength, or do we worship other gods like money, pleasure, and fame?  We may say that Jesus is Lord and King, but do we live according to the words and commands of our King, or do we just do whatever we want to do? We acclaim Jesus as our Savior, but do we live as someone who is saved and redeemed, or do we remain enslaved by sins?

Though Bartimaeus is physically blind, he has faith that enables him to see who Jesus truly is, and this saves him. We may have healthy physical eyes, but do we have true faith to see Jesus and follow Him?

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP