Homily for 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Liturgical Year B
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9, Responsorial Psalm: Psalm.126:1-2ab. 2cd-3. 4-5.6. Second Reading: Hebrews 5:1-6, Gospel Acclamation: 2 Timothy 1:10, Gospel Reading: Mark 10:46-52.
The healing of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, is one of the most amazing miraculous accounts in Mark’s gospel, as told in today’s gospel reading. The narrative demonstrates the significance of discipleship and faith. Jesus and his followers are on the last stretch of their journey to Jerusalem when the reading begins. They are accompanied by a sizable group of pilgrims travelling to the Holy City for the major Jewish holiday of Passover (Pesach).
The Israelites’ freedom from Egyptian slavery was commemorated at this yearly feast. A blind man named Bartimaeus, who is sitting by the side of the road, hears all the noise and wonders what is going on as Jesus and his friends walk through Jericho, one of the oldest towns in the world.
He cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” as he learns that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. (Mk 10:47). It is assumed that Bartimaeus is aware of Jesus’ reputation for performing miracles. Initially, a few people in the crowd warn him to keep quiet. They don’t feel much pity for him in spite of his condition. According to them, he is only an annoyance, a nobody who ought to be disregarded, and he is most definitely not permitted to stop Jesus from travelling to Jerusalem to perform his role as a messiah. Bartimaeus, however, will not be quieted.
He cries out even louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” in an attempt to catch Jesus’ attention. His screams are so moving that Jesus pauses and beckons for him to approach him. The crowd’s attitude abruptly shifts at this point, and they all stand behind Bartimaeus, urging him to get up because “he is calling you,” they exclaimed (Mk 10:49). He leaps to his feet and approaches Jesus, discarding his cloak.
However, Jesus wants more than just Bartimaeus to approach him. “What do you want me to do for you?” is what he wants him to state explicitly about what he wants Jesus to accomplish for him. (Mk 10:51). Despite his poverty and blindness, Bartimaeus is a man who understands what he wants, and without hesitation, he responds, “Master, let me see again” (Mk 10:50). He is immediately healed by Jesus, who says, “Go, your faith has saved you” (Mk 10:52). The story’s climax is Bartimaeus’ reaction to getting his sight restored. He stays, in contrast to the wealthy guy who left in sorrow. Rather, he follows Jesus on his journey and becomes a follower of him.
Mark uses Bartimaeus as an example of faith and discipleship in this tale. Jesus reminds Bartimaeus that his faith is what has saved him just before he heals him. What is this faith, though? His actions speak louder than words when it comes to his beliefs. He demonstrates it by acknowledging his need, being steadfast in his belief that Jesus can and will cure him, and having the guts to follow Jesus in spite of his background. Even when some people tell Bartimaeus to keep quiet, he still cries out to Jesus because he knows he needs to be healed. He refuses to stop talking even though he is at the bottom of the social scale. He will not be intimidated into being silent. How easy the throng may intimidate us into quiet when, like Bartimaeus, we need to be demanding to be heard and to voice our own needs as well as the needs of others around us who frequently endure silent suffering.
Bartimaeus had the discernment and wisdom to ask for what he actually needs, in contrast to James and John in last Sunday’s gospel reading, who want prestigious positions next to Jesus in his glory. Jesus just asks, “That I would see again,” in response to his query, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus is aware that Jesus has come to earth not just to grant us authority and dignity but also to let us see the “new earth and new heaven” that the reign of God’s love has made possible. Bartimaeus is far more knowledgeable than the sons of Zebedee about Jesus’ purpose. Like Bartimaeus, we must acknowledge our true needs and make humble, trusting requests for them.
Bartimaeus has a sincere faith that Jesus will and can heal him. So, believing that Jesus would heal him, he throws off his cloak and goes to him. Typically, blind beggars would tend to hang onto what little they have, especially a cloak that would shield them from the night’s chill. But Bartimaeus knows deep down that he will no longer need his one priceless property, so he tosses it. There will be no more reliance on handouts from onlookers. His situation is about to drastically alter.
After being healed, Bartimaeus finally finds the strength to accompany Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem. His experience with Jesus has changed him as a man. He used to be blind, but today he has both physical and spiritual sight. He is well aware of his destination and the people he is pursuing. After receiving a great deal from Jesus, he went from being a dependent beggar to a free man. He is now walking beside Jesus on the path rather than passively resting by the side of the road in the hopes of receiving charity. And Jerusalem—that is, suffering, death, and resurrection is where this route goes. Therefore, we beg the Lord to give us the wisdom to know what we really need, the humility to ask for it with confidence and faith, and the bravery to follow you all the way to Jerusalem. Amen.
_______________________________ Rev. Fr. Godwin C. Ibe, Asst. Parish Priest writes from St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City.
