Mercy > Misery
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 31:7–9 / Psalm 126:3 / Hebrews 5:1–6 / Mark 10:46–52
<< Back to LECTIONARY RESOURCES
Reflecting on the Word
By Dr. Karla J. Bellinger
It was hard to be the wife of a blind man. The women mocked me. But they were invisible to their sighted husbands, who were rough with them. Bartimaeus’ touch grew gentler as the darkness descended upon his eyes. As the old mothers say, do not weep for me, weep for yourselves. I am blessed.
Early that day, I guided him to his spot. He liked to find his place before the day began; crowds were hard to navigate. But without sight, his other senses were strong. He was alert to tone of voice, attentive to movement. He could taste goodness, he could smell lies. He was as brilliant as his honored father Timaeus, but even more perceptive. But he was just another blind man to most. I helped him sit. His lips began again to pray the psalms of David.
I turned to go back to the children. He touched my forearm, “Wait!” He sensed something coming. “Wait!” He trembled with excitement.
The crowd drew near. He shouted out, “Son of David, have pity on me!” His voice echoed above the somber crowd. “Hush,” they told him. “Hush!” I told him. He would not stop shouting.
I did not hear the words spoken, but suddenly the crowd parted as though to open the banks of a river.
Bartimaeus later told me that he sensed love rushing toward him, like spring waters flooding into the empty rivers of the southern desert. He tossed me his cloak and rushed off. I didn’t see what happened. The crowds passed. Bartimaeus stood alone on the road facing away from me. I crept near. He sensed me. He turned. His eyes peered into my eyes for the first time in fifteen years. He caressed my cheek. “I always knew that you were still beautiful,” he whispered. Then he ran after the crowd, shouting to all, “Come! Meet Jesus! Your life will never be the same!”
I am so very blessed.
Consider/Discuss
- Jesus’ tender mercy floods in upon our misery. Yet we may not see it. The literal Greek words of Bartimaeus’s request are “That I might recover my sight.” Have we at one time “seen” that flood of mercy? Have we forgotten? Gone blind? Taken it for granted? Share a story of a time when you once experienced mercy.
- Bartimaeus was thrilled to be set free from his blindness. That same jubilation is expressed in today’s reading from Jeremiah. The Jews are delivered from bondage, set free from captivity. What one little thing might the Holy Spirit inspire you to do today that will set someone free, that will lessen someone’s misery through your act of mercy?
Living and Praying with the Word
Lord, we do not always see your compassion, especially when we are weighed down with troubles. On this autumn day, reveal to us your presence in everyday life. Flow upon us like a river in the desert, calling out, “Look, here I am!” Open our eyes. Make our touch tender and our words reverent, especially for those close to us. Jesus, have mercy on us and help us to be merciful like you.