"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."
"Son of David, have pity on me."
"Master, I want to see."
Bartimaeus is one of the heroes of Saint Mark's gospel. I like him especially because he knows what he wants and how to ask for it, and he does ask for it.
Everybody wants something. Abraham Maslow, the great psychologist, showed how our pile of needs are shaped in a pyramidal scale. The base consists of our simple animal needs for food, liquid, rest, and warmth. If those are met, we can address our issues of security; and then belonging and membership. If those around us also encourage self-esteem, we may flourish and find our true satisfaction in giving to others.
Some people fantasize that they would readily give to others even if their basic needs for food and rest are unmet -- and they might for a very brief period -- but most of us get pretty testy when we feel HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, or tired), unsafe, unwelcome, or unappreciated. The human being needs and wants; anyone who pretends to want nothing is only a burden to the rest of us.
Bartimaeus needs his sight! And in his blindness he sees the opportunity when he hears that Jesus of Nazareth -- the Son of David -- is passing by. He doesn't care what the crowd thinks of him; he will not be silenced by their scolding. He shouts at the Lord, making his presence and urgency felt.
I love what the Lord asks of the blind man, "What do you want?" A simple, straightforward question. And the blind man replies with an answer as simple and straightforward, "I want to see."
How many times do puling children refuse to tell their desperate parents what they want, as if the parent should read the inarticulate child's mind? How often do employees grumble about their employers without saying precisely what they need?
Many of us were shamed as children when we ask for something and we learned not to ask. But our complaining was never suppressed. Nor did we take full responsibility for it.
Repeatedly the Lord urges us to grow out of those childish attitudes. We should ask, seek, knock, and expect to be heard. Lots of people say they believe in God, but those who really believe act on their faith and ask. They have neither reluctance nor shame in asking. If they don't get what they want when they want it they feel no resentment about having asked.
For, if you don't ask you certainly cannot receive. For asking is the very process which opens us to receive.
Having heard the blind man's demand, Jesus immediately restored his sight and told him, "Go your way!"
Notice what he did! He followed the Lord, because that's what eyes are for.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.