Prayer: O Jesus, I cry out to you in great hope.
Imagination: (Picture Jesus with the crowd and a beggar by the roadside.)
Context:
This journey to Jerusalem began with Jesus healing a blind man and culminates with another healing of blindness. This contrasts with the disciples’ growing blindness about Jesus’ death in Jerusalem. They do not grasp his predictions of his passion. This blind man became a true disciple. He saw and followed Jesus to Jerusalem.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples, a blind man, Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting by the wayside, begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he cried out, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me”. The crowd told him to be silent but he cried out even more, “Son of David, have mercy on me.”
Jesus commanded that he be brought near. The crowd said, “Take comfort. Arise. He is calling you.” He threw off his cloak, leaped up and came to Jesus.
“What do you want me to do for you?” asked Jesus. “Rabboni, that I may see” said the blind man. Jesus said, “Go your way, your faith has saved you.” He saw immediately and followed Jesus on the way.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- This beggar is at a severe disadvantage. He is blind, sits by the wayside, and does not even know what is happening.
- However, his blindness prepares him for this moment. He sees that Jesus is his only ray of hope.
- The crowd becomes his enemy, the wall between Jesus and himself.
- He refuses to stop. He won’t surrender his hope.
- When Jesus responds to his cries, the crowd changes its opinion. His crying out was the right thing to do.
- With his sight restored, he sees the face of Jesus and can follow him “up the road” to Jerusalem.
- What a day for Bartimaeus! A marginal, begging blind man becomes a disciple who follows Jesus.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Lord, you will walk near to me this day.
- O Holy Spirit, whisper within my soul, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
- O Jesus, I will continue to cry out to you, O Lord.
- You will hear me, and call me to your side.
- You will ask, “What is it that I can do for you?”
- Do everything for me, Lord! Bless me and I will “follow you on the way.”
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
- I will be attentive today to the Spirit speaking in my heart.
- I will have great hope that Jesus will hear my every cry.
Thought for the day: (To recall your meditation)
He saw immediately and followed Jesus on the way.