The Active Faith of Bartimaeus
Jeremiah 31:7-9; Ps.126; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52
In the Gospel of Mark, we encounter the remarkable story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who exemplifies an active faith. A faith that is dynamic, engaging and growth-oriented. Many individuals express a passive faith that prioritizes routine over tangible transformation, highlighting a gap between professed beliefs and meaningful spiritual practice.
Today we want to see what active faith entails through the narrative of the blind man of Jericho. Despite his physical blindness, Bartimaeus demonstrates spiritual insight. Spiritual insight transcends physical limitations. No matter your situation inner vision and faith can overcome external obstacles. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7 “The just shall live by faith.” – Romans 1:17. It gets to a point your sight and calculations can’t pull you through, suddenly an insight mounts you up. (Cf.Proverbs 3:5-6).
The crowd’s attempt to silence Bartimaeus (Mark 10:48) shows how beggars and those with special needs in the ancient society and even today experience social marginalization. But in Bartimaeus we see a man who knows how to deal with people who try to silence him. If your faith is not active, you can’t silence demonic oppressors. His persistence adds energy to his faith. To deal with those who try to silence you, you don’t only need an active faith you equally need persistence. Persistence can break resistance.
In Mark 10:49 the Bible says Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” The second reading today reminds us that Jesus, our High Priest, empathizes with our weaknesses, having experienced human suffering (Hebrews 5:1-6). He knows the man’s struggles and invited him. In that invitation, Bartimaeus moves from the periphery to the center, from invisibility to visibility. Jesus can change our narrative. He moves men from story to glory, from nothing to something, and from worries to victories. Jesus can deliver us, Jeremiah in the first reading echoes “…The Lord has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel.'” (Jeremiah 31:7). Jesus is our deliverer.
Bartimaeus’ post-healing journey with Jesus (Mark 10:52) exemplifies spiritual growth, gratitude and devotion. Conversely, some individuals, despite receiving blessings, often neglect to nurture their spiritual development, effectively diminishing the significance of their encounter. You can’t grow if you can’t nurture, you can’t grow if you can’t follow Jesus.
Prayer:
May our faith not fail us.. Amen
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
