Reflection on The Gospel of Mark 10:46-52 Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost October 27, 2024

The Gospel of Mark 10:46-52
Jesus and his disciples came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.we ca
Let us Pray: God of mercy and healing, you who hear the cries of those in need, receive these petitions of your people that all who are troubled may know peace, comfort, and courage. This we pray in your name Our Lord and Savior. Amen.
In today’s world if we don’t speak up, we can be lost in the shuffle. We can see this every day in our churches, workplaces, schools and in politics. The old saying the squeaky wheels get the grease. If we need to be heard, we need to be like Bartimaeus, ignoring the crowd for him to be quiet. He didn’t listen because he knew that Jesus was there and that He would hear him. He shouts at the top of his lungs to get Jesus’ attention. Now we may wonder why Bartimaeus didn’t approach Jesus more politely, but if any of you have ever prayed for healing and not received it you know that there’s times when it seems like we need to shout to get God’s attention. The encouraging thing is Jesus never discourages this; in fact, it’s the loud shouting of Bartimaeus that gets His attention! When Jesus hears the beggar shouting, He stood still and said, ‘Call him here. When we cry out to Jesus, in other words, we can be sure that He hears us! The Bible tells us in several places, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”; and today’s gospel reading shows a powerful example of this truth.
When we shout to Jesus, Jesus hears us. And it’s interesting to note what Jesus says to Bartimaeus when he heals him – “Your faith has made you well”. His faith guided him and being loud enabled him to be healed.
If you are hurting in any way, keep shouting to Jesus! Whatever the need is, he hears us, and He will respond. And if you know someone who’s hurting, ask God how you can be a part of that person’s healing.
Don’t give up! God hears our cries and will deliver us from whatever is keeping us in bondage. Healing might not come today. It might not come tomorrow. It might not come this week, or this month, this year, or even this decade – but it will come; for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Even though Bartimaeus couldn’t see Him he saw him through the light of faith. Today we need to have that faith to believe in Him even though we can’t see him, but we can detect his presence, power, and love. Without the light of faith, we are blind to the brilliance of God’s grace. With faith our eyes are opened to the brilliance of His presence.
And so, it is with us, our faith makes us well.
Let us Pray: Jesus, teach me to be persistent in my prayers and in my faith. Help me to trust in your timing and to never lose hope, knowing that you hear my cries and are always nearby. God, open my eyes to see your presence in my life. Remove the blindness of doubt, fear, and sin. Illuminate my path with your light, so I may walk in your truth and love.” This we pray in your Name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.