THROWING OFF THE CLOAK
How
many times must Bartimaeus have sat by the side of the road begging?
Was he able to sustain himself daily from what he begged for? How many
times did travelers to Jerusalem pass him by? This day, though,
something changed his life. He met Jesus who gave his sight back to him.
What a miracle!
The miracles we hear or read about in the Gospels should inspire us. We
are faced every day with sad news; the miracles we hear about are good
news. Jesus has come to set the captive free, to give sight to the
blind. We are told in the story that Jesus was passing by, just as so
many did that day, near Bartimaeus. When Bartimaeus heard it was Jesus,
he sought to win His attention. Jesus could have kept walking, as His
schedule was busy. Yet, He stopped and called Bartimaeus to Himself.
I like the scene before us in the Gospel. Can you imagine Bartimaeus
standing up unsteadily? Throwing off his cloak, his own source of warmth
and protection, comfort and provision, he went to Jesus. Jesus never
presumes, and so He asks Bartimaeus what he wants. Logically, Bartimaeus
wants to see.
What a miracle! A blind man sees again! After Bartimaeus’ sight is
restored, he no longer begs or stays on the road. He no longer needs his
cloak, now thrown away. He is a changed man; he followed Jesus.
Did Bartimaeus become a full-time follower of Jesus from that time on?
Was he a faithful disciple? We do not know. Jesus gives him sight.
Bartimaeus physically and spiritually sees and is enlightened. So many
times before, he had heard about Jesus; now, he sees for himself the
kindness of the Messiah. Have we heard about Jesus along the way? Are we
willing to throw off our cloaks and follow Jesus? Are we willing to
shout out His name to beg healing and forgiveness for our sins? Let the
courage of Bartimaeus be our confidence. Do not let Jesus pass by today without your calling upon Him to help You and guide You. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: What blindness is stopping you from following Jesus along the way?
Master, let me see You through the eyes of faith. Amen.
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