Jesus brings light on those who live in the dark and guides our feet into the way of peace.  Hence, he seeks to open the eyes of the blind. 

Jesus does not fail to open the eyes of a blind man, Bartimaeus, who keeps crying out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”  And so, the blind man no longer has to sit by the side of the road begging.  In fact, he throws off his cloak, springs up and comes to Jesus as he hears others tell him, “Jesus is calling you.”

Such is Bartimaeus’ faith that he calls Jesus the Son of David, that is to say, the Messiah.  The one who has heeded his call is all that counts to him now.  He does not need his cloak that he spreads out on the ground to gather alms to live on.  And when, at last, Jesus does open his eyes, Bartimaeus does not go his way as he has been told to do.  Rather, he follows Jesus on the way.

And Jesus, of course, is on his way up to Jerusalem, on his way to suffer, die and rise again.   He is less than 18 miles away.  This may explain why he does not lead Bartimaeus away from the crowd (see Mk 7, 33).  And why he does not ask either that they tell no one about the cure (see Mk 7, 36).

To open the eyes of all

So, it is time now for him to open the eyes of all to the true meaning of his way.  There is no more secret to keep.  For it is getting clearer and clearer that his way goes from suffering through death to new life.  No one, then, can mistake him for a triumphant warrior Messiah.  No, he cannot but be the Suffering Servant. 

And since this way leads to the kingdom of God to be fully set up, it is for all.  Just as the kingdom is open to all.

Yes, it should be our way.  And, for sure, we are not blind if, as we take the first step, we “learn to mercy.”  It shows, besides, that we see better still when see Jesus, by the light of faith, in the poor (SV.EN XI:26).  And to die with him will prove true, no doubt, that our sight is at its sharpest.  This last step of giving up our bodies and shedding our blood truly means communion.  With him and with those who are on the side of the road.  And there is no other way out of it.

Lord Jesus, open the eyes of all, so that all may pass from the dark to the light, from death to life, from hate and conflict to love and peace, from exclusion to inclusion. 

27 October 2024
30th Sunday in O.T. (B)
Jer 31, 7-9; Heb 5, 1-6; Mk 10, 46-52