Let me see

Bartimeus, a blind beggar, likely begged from a great variety of people each day – priests, Levites, Pharisees, Sadducees, Jews, Romans, people of many other nationalities, rich, poor, men and women. Except for a few “regulars” he probably had no clue about the identity of the people he encountered each day. The many voices he heard each day were probably just so much chatter to him.

However, in the midst of the chatter Bartimeus “heard that it Jesus of Nazareth”.  In all likelihood he had heard something about Jesus as well. After all, people were talking! This hearing must have led to curiosity about Jesus. It would not be every day that one would hear about someone preaching so eloquently about God’ s love and sharing that love through the many miracles performed. When Bartimeus heard that it was Jesus, he began to call out. He hailed him as “Son of David”. Having heard about Jesus, Bartimeus’ heart was touched and he knew deep in his being that Jesus was more than just a prophet or a travelling rabbi – he was likely the Messiah.

Asking that he might see again, Bartimeus was given the gift of sight and he followed after Jesus. Having “seen” Jesus, first in his heart and then with his ears and eyes, he was drawn to Jesus and went with him. His faith drew him to Jesus and to his message. He became a disciple; now it was with his eyes wide open.

How often are we like Bartimeus before his healing? He was physically blind, but spiritually he could see. We might be able to see physically, but inwardly we are blind. We hear about Jesus, but do we really see him and hear him with our heart, our ears, our eyes? Do we have the same certitude that Bartimeus had, that this Jesus can and will radically change our lives? Are we willing to follow him with our eyes wide open, no matter where he leads? Do our actions, words and relationships help others to hear about Jesus, to truly see him present and at work in our world. Discipleship calls us to make him known after we ourselves have truly seen him and to help others to see him as well.  Too often, we may be like the many who sternly ordered Bartimeus to be silent – we stifle the work of the Spirit and hide Jesus from those we encounter along the road. And yet, Jesus continues to whisper in our hearts, inviting us to follow him, to be his disciples and continue his mission and ministry. He challenges us to open our “eyes” as we walk along and to follow him deliberately and consciously.

By Richard Beaudette, OMI