LORD, HAVE MERCY ON ME

XXX SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Mark 10:46-52

Last week, we were told about James and John, the two disciples who approached Jesus with a request. Immediately after that episode, Marc tells the story of a blind man called Bartimaeus. The two stories appear to be completely different. However, they relate to each other in more than one aspect. James and John are followers of Jesus and belong to the inner group of his closest disciples. Despite that, they did not understand the real purpose of Jesus’ mission. They dreamed of power and wealth and wanted Jesus to fulfil that dream for them. 

The blind man spends his time “at the side of the road”, begging. It is as if he is at the side of life, dependent on those who pass by. His blindness is the sign of a hopeless life lived in darkness. He is an outcast on the side of the road. Being rejected, he cannot participate in community life and contribute to the history of his people. He survived due to the kindness of those who pitied him. Aware of his condition, he had a deep desire for liberation and, living in darkness, he longed for the light. When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing on that same road, he was sure that his time had come, and he cried out: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” That is the cry of all those who need salvation. At the beginning of every mass, we cry out: Lord, have mercy.

In both episodes - the disciples and the blind man - Jesus asked the same question: What do you want me to do for you? James and John, the disciples, asked for positions of power, while Bartimaeus asked for healing and salvation. To different requests, Jesus gave different answers. To the disciples, he said: You do not know what you are asking. On the other side, to the blind man, Jesus said: Go; your faith has saved you. Then, healed, he became a disciple, following Jesus on the way.

Bartimaeus represents each one of us. Oppressed by sin, we must cry out: Lord, have mercy. And Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world, will illumine us, scattering the darkness of our soul. 

With the blind man, let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.