REFLECTION FOR TODAY
October 24, 2021
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, Bartimaeus began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” Mk. 10:47
Our gospel reference today forms part of Bartimaeus’ encounter with Jesus, it presents us with his prayer. Bartimaeus was a blind beggar whose determination and persistence paid off when Jesus called to him and asked “what do you want me to do for you? He said, “master I want to see”. Bartimaeus was persistent in his quest for the restoration of his sight. How persistent are we in our prayer?
Bartimaeus received a double blessing, his sight was restored, and he became a disciple. We all have challenges in life or situations we can’t handle ourselves. What do we do with them? Bartimaeus situation changed for good because he called out to Jesus. Bartimaeus had faith in Jesus without seeing him where is our FAITH? There are Christians who are blind spiritually. They are blind because they lack the basic faith and trust expected of them as Christians.
These words from Bartimaeus, “Jesus, son of David have pity on me” has some Messianic implications because in them he had correctly understood that Jesus was the Son of David and the expected Messiah, there also present us with the perfect prayer.
These words of prayer reveal the deep humility of Bartimaeus. By praying this prayer, Bartimaeus expresses the fact that he knew Jesus was the source of what he needed and that he was unable to help himself. Bartimaeus knew that he was weak, but that Jesus was perfect strength. Thus, Bartimaeus humbly turned to Jesus in his need, recognizing Him as the source.
There are words of prayer that cries for “pity.” Pity is the feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering of others. Pity is mercy and is the form of love given to one by another who has no need of giving it. In this prayer, Bartimaeus asks the all-powerful Lord to show him kindness and mercy, even though he is unworthy of such a gift. This prayer reveals the fact that Bartimaeus knew he was undeserving of help from our Lord, but he cried out for it anyway in the hope that Jesus would help. And, indeed, He does.
This prayer reveals a certain and deep passion. It is not just a request for God’s help; rather, it is a cry for help. It’s a plea and a form of begging. It’s an opening up of one’s soul to God, without concern of displaying one’s own weaknesses or worry that others will witness it or what they’ll think. This shows the depth of the blind man’s prayer.
Reflect, today, upon these three lessons from Bartimaeus’ short prayer. We must be humble, beg for mercy, and do so with deep passion and longing. Praying this way will most certainly dispose us to the grace and mercy of God.
Lord, Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me. I do humbly beg You with all my heart for Your mercy and compassion. Though I am unworthy, I seek Your grace and trust in Your goodness. Jesus, I trust in You.