Take Courage

From our first reading, even in our most difficult and challenging times, God is constantly with us, always calling us to be closer to him. And it is not so much that we have to approach God, but rather, thankfully, as in the Gospel, God comes to us. And when Jesus draws close to you…what will you do? How will you respond?

The scene of Jesus walking amidst the disciples and other followers was not uncommon. It was an opportunity for Jesus to teach as they made their way to the next destination. Now, in a large city like Jericho, the atmosphere around the group must have been busy, noisy, and loud. But around Jesus, it was likely quiet so that the crowd could hear his words.

We do not know if Bartimaeus was expecting to have Jesus pass by him this day. However, he clearly knew who Jesus was—even though he was “blind”, he knew of his power to heal and doesn’t hesitate in the least, to cry out. But, because Jesus was likely teaching, the crowd yells at Bartimaeus to be quiet.

What a great moment this must have been to see, and to hear the simple but authoritive command of Jesus: “Call him here.” Call stories are always significant in scripture and although this may not have the detail of other call stories, the expected response is classic. Perhaps there is fear, hesitation, unworthiness, maybe that’s why the crowd said “take courage.”

Blind Baritmaeus took a risk. He heard that this Messiah, this Jesus was coming, so he took the risk of calling out to him. Others tried to quiet him, but what he lacked in eyesight he made up for in power of voice! He just called louder. At first Bartimaeus seemed to hesitate…Jesus said “call him here”…not go get him! Now, how would a blind man find Jesus in this crowd? A stillness comes to this crowd of people. Bartimaeus hesitated a moment, but he threw off his cloak and although blind, went to Jesus.

Think about this: Bartimaeus’ cloak was his mat, his bed, his warmth, his security, his one possession. To let go of it was to let go of everything he depended on and to trust in the Lord. Bartimaeus let go, and let God into his life. And God responded to his trust, his faith, not only with sight…but more importantly with insight.

Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you,” but Bartimaeus didn’t go. Instead he followed Jesus on His way. Bartimaeus regains his sight because he recognized who Jesus really was…the Son of David, the Messiah. Bartimeaus is the only one who addresses Jesus with any kind of Messianic title. Mark uses the irony of the fact that it is a blind man who recognizes Jesus’ true identity to bring the story of Jesus ministry to a conclusion, before heading to Jerusalem.

Each day in the crowds and busyness of our own lives…Jesus calls out to us, begging us to come closer to him. But will you hear this call? Will you risk? Will you risk falling and stumbling on your way to Him? Are you willing to throw aside your cloak and everything and anything that is important to you and come closer to Jesus?

You see today, each one of us is named “Bartimaeus” and each one of us is called…how will you respond?