Tag: bible

Who is Theophilus?

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3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time [C]

January 26, 2025

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Luke addressed his Gospel to a man named Theophilus, but who exactly was he? And why did Luke dedicate his Gospel to him?

There are several interesting theories about Theophilus. The most widely accepted theory is that he was a sponsor for Luke in writing his Gospel. Two thousand years ago, producing a book was astronomically expensive. “Paper” was made either from animal skins or from papyrus, a plant that only grew along the Nile River in Egypt. Additionally, Luke had to cover “research costs.” Unlike other evangelists, Luke was not an eyewitness to the events of Jesus’ life. Therefore, to create a historically reliable document, he had to travel and interview eyewitnesses, such as some of the apostles and Mary, Jesus’ mother.

Since there were no printing machines at the time, Luke had to handwrite the text or hire a stenographer or copyist, significantly increasing the cost.

The Gospel of Luke is the longest of the four Gospels (it contains the most words). Luke also wrote the Acts of the Apostles. Together, these two works make up almost one-third of the entire New Testament. It is no wonder that Luke needed financial support from a wealthy individual for his costly project.

Luke addresses Theophilus as “κράτιστος” (kratistos), usually translated as “most excellent.” This title was commonly used to address individuals of high status and rank. Therefore, we can infer that Theophilus was more than capable of supporting Luke in writing the Gospel. But the next question arises: What was Theophilus’ relationship to Jesus? Was he a baptized Christian and a member of the early Church? Or was he just an interested individual who happened to want to learn about Jesus’ life?

If Theophilus was a baptized believer, Luke may have written his Gospel to deepen Theophilus’ knowledge of Jesus. Perhaps Theophilus would use the Gospel to instruct his local Christian community or parish. However, if Theophilus was not yet baptized, the Gospel could have served as a means of evangelization, introducing Christ to him and hopefully leading him and his family to faith.

Another interesting theory is that the name “Theophilus” does not refer to a single individual but rather to all believers. “Theophilus” is derived from two Greek words: “Theos” (meaning “God”) and “Philos” (meaning “friend” or “one who loves as a friend”). Therefore, Theophilus refers to anyone who loves God and desires to have a communion with Him. In this sense, Theophilus represents all Christians throughout the ages who seek a deeper friendship with God as they learn and contemplate on Jesus’ life through Luke’s Gospel. In this way, Luke dedicated his work to all Christians.

In the end, we may never know who Theophilus truly was, and we must wait until we reach heaven to find out. However, from both Luke and Theophilus, we learn that the work of evangelization is extremely difficult. Yet, they also show us that each person can contribute to this divine project. Some offer their talents in writing, some teach, and others provide various forms of support. While everyone can give their time and energy, some are called to preach to large audiences, while others are called to raise their families in faith. Each one of us can be a Theophilus in our own way—someone who loves God and desires for Him to be known by others.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Guide Questions:

Have we read the entire Gospel of Luke? What is my favorite episode in the Gospel of Luke? And why? What do we do to contribute to the work of evangelization? Do we help bring God closer to others? How?

Jesus and Mary, our Wedding Guests

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Second Sunday in Ordinary Time [C}

January 19, 2025

John 2:1-12

In every wedding, we naturally expect the bridegroom and bride to take center stage. After all, it is their marriage—their happiest moment. However, the story of the wedding at Cana in Galilee offers us a different perspective, one that is often overlooked. What is it?

The wedding at Cana is not primarily about the bride and groom. Surprisingly, their names are never mentioned, and they barely feature in the story. The only time the bridegroom is mentioned is when he is praised for providing an abundant supply of high-quality wine. Instead, this Gospel account focuses on Jesus and His interaction with Mary, His mother. It reveals a deeper truth about Christian marriages that transcends the visible celebration.

The story begins with an introduction: Jesus’ mother, Jesus Himself, and His disciples are invited to the wedding. This detail carries profound significance. Whom do we invite to our wedding? Too often, we focus only on ourselves—preparing the venue, planning ceremonies and programs, selecting food, and choosing the perfect wedding attire. We become preoccupied with pleasing relatives, friends, and guests. But do we make it a priority to invite Jesus and His mother to our wedding?

Many of us might respond, “Yes! We invite Jesus to our wedding because it takes place in the Church!” Yet, is Jesus truly present in our hearts? For some, the wedding is held in a church simply because we happen to be Catholic. Others choose a church wedding for its beauty or prestige. Many attend pre-marriage catechetical courses merely out of obligation, complying with diocesan requirements to secure a church wedding. But how many of us make a conscious and heartfelt effort to truly invite Jesus to our wedding? Do we spiritually prepare for the sacrament through retreats or confession? Do we ask for His grace and guidance as we embark on this sacred journey?

The story of the wedding at Cana also highlights Mary’s unique role. She notices the wine is running out and alerts Jesus to the problem. After a brief exchange, she instructs the servants: “Do whatever He tells you.” This leads to Jesus performing His first miracle. These events reveal Mary’s deep involvement in the wedding. She is not just an ordinary guest; she has access to the inner workings of the household and is aware of the practical needs, such as the shortage of wine. Instead of informing the bridegroom or his family, she turns to Jesus. Out of love for His mother, Jesus uses the simple resources available—water—and transforms them into the finest wine.

This truth is both profound and beautiful. If we want the “best wine” in our marriage, it is essential not only to invite Jesus and Mary to our wedding day but to welcome them into our “kitchen,” and to allow them to be involved in everyday moments of our lives. The Gospel reminds us that the best wine comes from ordinary water. In the same way, the greatest blessings in marriage often arise from simple, unseen acts of love for our spouse and children.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Reflection Questions

Have we truly invited Jesus and Mary into our marriage, family, and daily lives? Do we recognize Jesus working miracles in our marriages? Have we entrusted our marriage and family to the care of Mary?

What is Baptism?

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The Baptism of the Lord [C]

January 12, 2025

Luke 3:15–16, 21–22

Jesus began His public ministry after being baptized by John the Baptist. Similarly, we start our new lives as God’s children and begin following Jesus on His path of the cross through baptism. But what exactly is baptism, and why is it associated with the beginning of something so important?

Jewish Ritual Purity

The Greek word “βαπτίζειν” (baptizein) originally means “to dip into water” or “to wash with water.” In the Old Testament, particularly in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), βαπτίζειν refers to the rite of purification (e.g., Judith 12:7). What is this rite of purification in the Old Testament? To understand it, we need to recognize that ancient Israel adhered to the concept of ritual purity or cleanliness.

Although not strictly moral in nature, the purity laws were integral to the Torah. These laws determined whether a Jew was ritually clean or unclean. When Jews were considered “pure,” they could enter holy places like the Temple in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices. Offering sacrifices enabled them to worship the Lord God and receive blessings, such as the forgiveness of sins and communion with God and fellow believers.

A Jew could become impure through physical contact with various things, such as: dead bodies, bodily discharges (e.g., menstrual blood, male semen), certain animals (e.g., pigs, camels, or specific insects), and skin diseases. If they became impure, they needed to perform a ritual cleansing, typically by washing with water (βαπτίζειν). Thus, the purity laws ensured that they approached the holy place worthily.

John’s Baptism

John the Baptist introduced a significant shift. His baptism was no longer a ritual of purification but a symbolic gesture of repentance. For John, what mattered was not being ritually clean but living morally upright lives before the Lord. Thus, it was meaningless to undergo ritual cleansing while continuing to live in sin.

John told his followers that he baptized with water as a symbol of repentance, but someone greater than him would come to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. What does it mean to be baptized “in the Holy Spirit and fire”? Throughout Church history, this phrase has been interpreted in various ways: St. John Chrysostom taught that Jesus’ baptism refers to Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended like fire and filled Jesus’ disciples with various graces. Origen, on the other hand, argued that baptism in the Holy Spirit is for those who believe and repent, while baptism in fire is for those who refuse to believe and repent.

The Church’s Teaching on Baptism

Although interpretations differ, it is important to receive Jesus’ baptism, and Jesus baptizes us through His body, the Church. Thus, sacramental baptism performed by the Church, comes from Jesus and is essential for salvation (1 Peter 3:21). It imparts sanctifying grace upon the soul (2 Peter 1:4) and transforms us, empowering us to live as children of God. Unlike John’s baptism, which was an external sign of repentance, Jesus’ baptism—administered through His Church—truly transforms our souls and enables us to live worthily in God’s grace.

Addendum: Does Baptism Always Mean Full Immersion?

The word βαπτίζειν in the Bible does not always imply full-body immersion. For instance, in Mark 7:4–8, βαπτίζειν is used to describe ritual washing of specific body parts, such as hands, or even the washing of utensils. The Catholic Church teaches that baptism is valid whether performed by full immersion or by pouring water on the head (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1239–1240).

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Reflection and Guide Questions

Have you received Jesus’ baptism performed through His Church? Do you encourage your family members, relatives, and friends to be baptized? Are you aware of the extraordinary graces we receive through baptism? Do you live out the spirit of your baptism in daily life?

Hidden Life, a Holy Life

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Feast of the Holy Family [C]

December 29, 2024

Luke 2:41-52

Jesus did not appear in the world as a fully grown man out of nowhere, nor did He descend from the sky like an alien. Instead, He chose to be born as a little child into the family of Joseph and Mary. Interestingly, most of the events within this family, spanning more than 30 years, remain hidden. What did Jesus do during this time? Why did He choose to remain hidden during these years?

The little information we have comes from St. Luke, who tells us that Jesus submitted to the authority of Joseph and Mary and grew in age and wisdom, much like any other child (Luke 2:52). This implies that Jesus experienced and acted as any Israelite boy or man would in His time. As a baby, Jesus received constant nourishment from Mary. He learned to speak, walk, and play. As a young child, He likely helped Mary with household chores and played with His peers and relatives. When He became strong enough, He helped Joseph with his work and learned the family trade of carpentry. Being a descendant of David, Joseph was likely responsible for teaching Jesus to read, especially the Torah.

As a young man, Jesus continued to assist Joseph in his work. From time to time, they may have travelled to nearby major cities, such as Sepphoris, to work on various building projects. It’s reasonable to believe that Jesus not only learned to read the Torah but also to interpret and teach the Law of Moses under Joseph’s guidance. Young Jesus likely observed His foster father discussing and debating the precepts of the Law with local Pharisees and scribes. Perhaps He even listened as Joseph preached in the synagogue in Nazareth.

From this account, we see that there was nothing outwardly remarkable about the hidden lives of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Everything seemed ordinary. Had Jesus been born in our time, He would have grown up doing many of the things we commonly do. However, it would be a mistake to think that what Jesus did in Nazareth was insignificant. Jesus is not only fully human but also fully divine. His divinity sanctifies every aspect of His humanity, including the most ordinary moments of His life. Whatever Jesus did—whether working, eating, or even resting—was holy and salvific.

Through the mystery of the Incarnation, Jesus shared in our humanity. Because of this, we may share in His divinity through grace. Many of us live ordinary lives, punctuated by occasional exceptional moments. Yet, through Jesus and His hidden life, everything we do—even the smallest and most mundane tasks—can become a means of sanctification and salvation when done out of love for God and our neighbors. The little, unseen things we do in our families, schools, and workplaces can sanctify us if we offer them with love. The sufferings and pains we endure can also make us holy when we bear them patiently and without sin. Ultimately, the holiness of ordinary things is made possible when we unite everything we do, endure, and live with the living sacrifice of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Guide questions:

Do we recognize that Jesus is present even in our daily and ordinary lives? Do we realize that even simple things we do in our lives contribute to our holiness? Do we know that God see even little and hidden acts of love we do for our parents, children and even strangers?

Cold Yet Blessed Christmas

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Nativity of Our Lord [C]
December 25, 2024
Luke 2:1–14

One privilege I had as a priest was the opportunity to study in Rome, and one unforgettable experience was celebrating Christmas in this eternal city. A striking difference from my home country was immediately apparent: Christmas in Rome is cold. Coming from a country near the equator, where the temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, experiencing December as winter (with temperatures ranging from 8°C to -1°C) was a stark contrast. As I celebrated Christmas in this chilly season, my first thought was that it must have been a similarly cold winter in Bethlehem when Jesus was born.

Some skeptics argue that it’s unlikely Jesus was born in December, claiming it would have been too cold for shepherds to keep watch over their sheep in the open fields. While December is indeed winter in Israel, it’s not so cold as to prevent people from staying outside. A quick online search reveals that nighttime temperatures in Bethlehem-Jerusalem average around 7–8°C. After all, sheep are typically kept outdoors, and the shepherds, familiar with these conditions, would have been well-prepared to endure the chilly environment.

The shepherds may have been prepared for the cold, but what about the baby Jesus? While winters in Israel are milder than in many European countries, the fact remains that winter in Bethlehem is cold and chilling. The first sensation baby Jesus likely felt upon leaving the warmth of Mary’s womb was the cold. Certainly, Mary and Joseph would have done their utmost to protect and keep Him warm, but the low temperatures could not be completely avoided. This chill would have been even more pronounced given that Jesus was not born in a modern, comfortable maternity ward but in a humble place for animals – a cave, as tradition tells us.

Yet, this very humility is at the heart of Christmas: Emmanuel, God-with-us. Our God is not a distant deity hidden away in the heavens, occasionally sending angels to interact with us. He is intimately present, becoming one of us, human. From the moment of His conception, He felt, experienced, and endured everything we are and do. The coldness of that Christmas night was only the beginning. Jesus would come to know hunger and thirst, pain and sorrow, just as we do. He also embraced the warmth and love of Mary and Joseph. He grew and learned to live as we do. He knows who we are because He has become one of us.

It’s true that we often pray for the Lord to remove our suffering, pain, and sorrow, yet it seems these struggles persist. In His divine wisdom, God allows our suffering, though we may not always understand the reasons. However, through the mystery of Christmas, we are assured of one profound truth: Jesus knows our pain. He shares in it and bears it with us. This is our Gospel, this is our Christmas.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Why John the Baptist?

On By bayuopIn Advent, EnglishLeave a comment

Second Sunday of Advent [C]

December 8, 2024

Luke 3:1-6

On the second Sunday of Advent, the Church presents St. John the Baptist as a model for preparing the way for Jesus. But why is John always chosen as the example? The answer lies in the fact that John is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, exemplifying how we should prepare for the coming of Christ. Especially in the Gospel of Luke, we see that John precedes Jesus and prepares His way in three important stages. So, what are these three stages?

1) Through John’s Birth. John was the son of Zechariah, a priest, and Elizabeth. Since Elizabeth and Mary of Nazareth were relatives, this makes John and Jesus family. In Luke’s account, John’s birth is portrayed as an answer to his parents’ prayers. His birth is a miracle, as it occurred when Zechariah and Elizabeth were old and considered barren. This miraculous birth prefigures an even greater one—the birth of Jesus. While John was conceived despite his parents’ old age, Jesus was conceived without the involvement of any man. John’s birth fulfils God’s promises in the Old Testament (such as to Abraham and Sarah, Gen 17-18; Elkanah and Hannah, 1 Sam 1:1-20), while the birth of Jesus inaugurates the New Testament era.

2) Through John’s Preaching. Today’s Gospel speaks of John preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3). This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, which foretold that a great prophet would prepare the way for the Lord (Isaiah 40:3). John teaches that the best way to prepare for the coming of the Lord is through repentance. Without repentance, our Advent and Christmas celebrations will be shallow. There’s little meaning in decorating our homes or enjoying festive meals with loved ones if we do not first seek to reform our lives.

3) Through John’s Death. John’s death comes at the hands of Herod’s executioners. He had condemned Herod, the ruler of Galilee, for living in sin—taking his brother’s wife and divorcing his own wife. This angered Herod and his wife. When the opportunity arose, Herod, to please his wife, ordered John’s execution (Luke 9:7-9; Mark 6:14-29; Matthew 14:1-12). John was beheaded because he faithfully preached the truth, calling for repentance. Jesus, too, would eventually be crucified for preaching the truth of the Gospel and calling the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to repentance. The lesson is not just about how John died, but about how he lived—faithfully preaching the truth, even at the cost of his life. We are also invited not only to reform our own lives but to encourage others to repent, even in the face of rejection.

John is Jesus’ predecessor—in his birth, his preaching, and his death. Through his entire life, John prepared the way for Jesus. This is why John is one of the best models in the Bible for us to follow during this season of Advent.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Reflection Questions:

  • Inspired by John the Baptist, how will you prepare yourself this Advent?
  • What lessons can you draw from John’s example?
  • Like John, are you willing to invite your family, relatives, and friends to repentance and help bring them closer to Jesus?

Jesus, Our King

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Solemnity of Christ the King [B]

November 24, 2024

John 18:33b-37

In today’s world, the concept of kingship might feel weird and even obsolete. Many of us live in democratic societies, where we elect persons we like to be our leaders and choose someone else when we feel they are no longer fit for the office. We value our freedom and ensure our leaders will not take our freedom. The pomp and grandeur of royalty—palaces, castles, robes, and noble ceremonies—are often viewed as relics of the past. Yet, as Christians, we are called to reflect on and embrace the kingship of Jesus. How can we truly appreciate Jesus’ identity as our King?

First, Jesus, the King who serves. Yes, Jesus is King, but unlike any other. Gabriel, the archangel, announced his royal birth, “He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end (Luk 1:33).” Yet, Jesus revealed how He was going to be a king, “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many (Mar 10:45).” Here, the roles are reversed. Instead of demanding service from His subjects, Jesus serves His people with unparalleled humility. His ultimate act of service was offering Himself on the cross for our salvation. Even now, as the risen King in heaven, Jesus continues to serve by interceding for us before the Father (Heb 7:25).

Second, Jesus, the King of the universe. Though Jesus was born as a Jew and prophesied as the Messiah of Israel, His dominion is universal. After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. (Mat 28:18)” Jesus is not only King of all men but also of all things. From the biggest stars to the smallest sub-atomic particle and even realities that modern science has yet to discover, all are within His governance and providence. Not only visible realities but also invisible beings are under Jesus. Then again, since Jesus’ kingship is about service, Jesus also serves all things by sustaining their existence, otherwise, all things will collapse to nothingness.

Third, Jesus is our King. Jesus’ kingship is not distant or abstract—it is deeply personal. As the King of all creation, He governs everything for our good because He knows and loves each of us dearly. The intricate design of the universe, from the laws of physics to the fine-tuned conditions that allow life on earth, reflects His loving care. Our bodies, composed of countless atoms and cells, are held together under His command. The visible cosmos and even spiritual beings are under His commands to protect and lead us to true happiness.

While we are often consumed with our daily concerns, the King is taking care of us through His governance of the universe, both visible and invisible. His kingship is nothing but love, service and care.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Questions for reflections:

What is your concept of a king? Do you see Jesus as a king? What kind of King? Or, are you more comfortable with other titles of Jesus, such as the good shepherd? Do we follow Jesus our King? How do we serve our King? Do we obey Him, or do we rebel against Him? Do we also care for other creations because they serve the same King as us? Do we thank the angels for guarding us?

We and the Saints

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33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]
November 17, 2024
Mark 13:24-32

When someone asks if we want to go to heaven, we quickly say, “Yes!” But if asked if we want to become saints, our enthusiasm often fades. This is surprising because everyone in heaven is a saint. To be a saint means to be in heaven. So why do we separate the idea of heaven from being a saint?

At least, there are three reasons:

  1. Misunderstanding the Catholic Faith: Some of us may not fully understand our faith. We might think there are two groups in heaven: well-known saints like the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, St. Dominic, and St. Francis, and a second group of non-saints. We assume saints are only those who have been officially recognized and celebrated with feast days. But this is not true. All people in heaven are saints, even if we don’t know their names. That’s why we celebrate All Saints’ Day, honoring every person who by God’s grace has reached heaven. One of those saints could be a relative or ancestor!
  2. Thinking It’s Too Hard to Be a Saint: We read stories about saints and feel like we could never be as good as them. Saints seem perfect—extremely lovely, always praying, and some even performed miracles. And martyrs faced painful deaths for their faith. This level of holiness feels impossible for us because we are aware of our weaknesses and sins. But here’s the truth: saints didn’t become holy by their efforts alone; they depended on God’s grace. They were imperfect humans, like all of us, who allowed God’s love to transform them.
  3. Fear of Death: We might think that becoming a saint means we must die first, and we do not want to die! However, not all death is physical and biological. We need to die also to ourselves. This means letting go of worldly attachments and sinful desires.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about His return in glory and the signs that will come before it—darkened skies, a dim moon, and falling stars. This can mean the end of an era or even the end of the world. Yet, this can also tell us a deeper lesson: the world we know is temporary, destructible, and if we cling too tightly to it, we will lose everything. We need to choose: will we die to this world and live for God, or die with this world, and losing God.

We ask God to help us dying to ourselves, letting go of the world, and live more for Christ. Then, whenever Jesus comes, we will be ready to stand before Him, truly alive, just like the saints in heaven.

Rome

Valentinus B. Ruseno, OP

Questions for Reflection:

What do we think heaven is like? How do we view the saints and their roles in our lives? Do we want to become saints, or are we too attached to the world? What are the things we cling to in this life? How are we preparing for Jesus’ coming?

The Faith of the Poor Widow

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32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time [B]

November 10, 2024

Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus commends a poor widow who gives her last two small coins to the Temple. He points out why her act is so remarkable: “Out of her poverty, she gave everything she had, all she had to live on” (Mark 12:44). Jesus admires her because, despite her extreme poverty, she displays extraordinary generosity. But there’s a deeper message here. What is it?

We need to ask, “Why is this widow poor?” In Jesus’ time, widows were among the most vulnerable, especially if they had no family to support and protect them. Because of this, God instructed the Israelites to care for widows (see Deu 14:29 and Isa 1:17). Yet, in this Gospel passage, there is a clue to why this widow has been pushed into poverty. Before praising the widow, Jesus condemns the scribes not just for seeking popularity, but for a more sinister reason, “They devour widows’ houses” (Mark 12:40).

How did the scribes take advantage of widows? There are a few possibilities:

Firstly, Abuse of Legal Authority. The scribes, experts in Jewish law, were trusted as legal advisors or trustees, especially for widows who needed help managing their affairs after their husbands’ death. Afterall, these scribes were men of God! Sadly, some of them abused this trust, using their legal knowledge to manipulate proceedings for personal gain, sometimes even committing fraud.

Secondly, Predatory Lending. Some scribes engaged in predatory lending practices. Under the guise of providing financial help, they would lend money to widows and gradually entrap them in severe debt. When the widows couldn’t repay these debts, they were forced to give up their homes and possessions, ultimately becoming destitute.

While we don’t know the exact way the widow in this story was exploited, we do know she suffered injustice. Despite this, her response is remarkable. Instead of feeling embittered or blaming God, she remains generous and devoted. Even in her suffering, she loves God with all her heart, strength, and life. Why? Because her faith rests in God Himself, not in flawed human representatives like the scribes. While people can fail or act unjustly, God does not. She believes God is watching her, and indeed, Jesus is watching her actions and recognizing her faith and sacrifice.

This story opens our eyes to harsh realities that can exist even within religious institutions. Yet, the widow’s example also teaches us how to respond to these challenges without losing our faith.

Reflection Questions:

Do we help bring people closer to God, or do we push them away? Do we use our position and knowledge to assist others or to take advantage of them? When bad things happen, do we blame God or maintain our trust in Him? Do we stand against injustice and wrongdoing within our communities and Church, or do we remain silent?

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

The Confession of Bartimaeus

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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