Mark 10:46-52 Your Faith Has Saved You

In Today’s Gospel we hear Bartimeus begging for mercy from Jesus Christ.  Bartimeus know that Jesus could offer more than what he could receive through ordinary begging of alms.  He is not only one man, but represents us all who beg for the Lord’s mercy.  In this misery of life we are told like Bartimeus, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”  How extraordinary that love of God that he hears us and calls to us first have courage, then to get up and meet him because he is calling to us too. 

In the story today, Jesus asks Bartimeus, “What do you want me to do for you?”  It is the same question that Jesus asked James and John when they asked him for a favor.  To Bartimeus comes a more positive answer when he asks to see.  “Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.”  Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.”

Because Jesus hears Bartimeus and calls out to him, we know that we too are permitted to beg mercy and petition the Lord.  We desire that salvation that following Jesus leads us.  “Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk
so that through it you may grow into salvation, for you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 PT 2:2)  We need that rich nourishment that will help us grow in our faith.  To Bartimeus he gives this with sight in this world, but also the sight to see the Messiah in his glory through this miraculous gift of mercy. 

In this year of Mercy we are reminded that his gifts of life and healing are for all.  Do we hear the cry of the poor in our busy world? How do we hear the cry of the poor? Sometimes we are so blinded by what we see, that we can’t see, can we?   

St. Philip Neri’s feast is today.  He was known for his devotion to listening to the poor and burdened at all hours, day or night.  To help others, to help them not sin, this is how he heeded to Lord’s call to serve. He did it with joy and laughter.  He was known for his sense of humor and beloved by all for it.  His suffering and burdens were not difficult, but light because he was given the sight of seeing salvation.  He shared with this love, and mercy to make those whose lives he served less burdensome and joyful.  He recognize Jesus in others.  Let us pray for sight that we too may spread God’s loving mercy to others in need, recognizing Jesus in everyone we encounter.  We ask this through Christ out Lord. Amen.