Homilies
Holy Spirit, take my words and speak to each of us according to our needs.
If someone told you that you could be granted one super power, what would you choose? The ability to fly, to read minds, to teleport, to be invisible? Any of those might be quite fun for a little while when it’s your choice, but I imagine that many people have experienced being made to feel invisible by others, and that is not such a nice feeling. It might have happened at school in class, or in a crowded room, or even by your own friends or family - you know, when you have something to say or a need that is important to you but you just cant get your voice heard; that feeling of being drowned out, talked over or just ignored.
I imagine that Bartimaeus, from the Gospel reading today felt like that when the crowd tried to silence his desperate cries to Jesus. His hope filled plea for Jesus to have mercy on him, a blind beggar, went unacknowledged by those around him. Yet, this time, such was Bartimaeus’ faith and belief in Jesus that he wasn’t going to be discouraged and he shouted out even louder. He catches Jesus’ attention and he calls Bartimaeus to come over to him.
There is such detail in the description of him going over to Jesus which reflect his certain belief that Jesus’ is able to change his life. He casts off his cloak, a striking symbol of leaving his old life, his past, his limitations and his identity behind; then he jumps up and runs to Jesus. This is a decisive and courageous move, putting aside his cautiousness and fears and wholeheartedly trusting in his faith in Jesus.
Jesus, however, although knowing what Bartimaeus wants and needs doesn’t assume. He asks Bartimaeus to identify what it is that he wants Jesus to do for him. This is not a generic request about ‘what do you need?’ But rather quite a specific question. ‘What do YOU want ME to do for you?’ And in acknowledgment of Jesus’ authority, Bartimaeus responds by addressing him as ‘My teacher.’ His next request to ‘let me see again’ has much deeper resonances beyond that of just physical sight.
There was a need for connection, clarity, purpose and intention. After telling Bartimaeus that his ‘faith had made him well’ he regains his sight AND importantly begins to follow Jesus.
For me, this resonates with the essence of our faith journey – a recognising of our needs, a reaching out for help and responding to the call of Jesus. We may not be physically blind, but if we examine our lives closely we may just find some areas where we have blind spots - things we struggle with or areas we need help with, maybe for healing, clarity or support. In recognising these needs we must be bold in reaching out in faith, speaking out, even if the world would prefer us to stay quiet.
So, what would your cloak be, that could be cast aside? I think my cloak may be one of anxious, uncertainty that I am not able or even worthy to fulfil my role; imposter syndrome if you will. But just as Bartimaeus’ journey with Jesus was one of transformation through faith, that too is available to everyone who allows themselves to accept it because faith is more than just believing in something unseen but about acting on that belief as well.
In asking Jesus to open our eyes, we open ourselves to the revelation of love, grace and purpose in our lives. So my prayer for all of us this week is to find the courage of Bartimaeus to call out-identifying our needs, to seek- help and support through trust and faith and to follow and act on that transformative power in certainty and hope.
I’d like to leave you with a favourite verse of mine from Hebrews (10:23) that I memorised almost 10 years ago. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who has promised, is faithful.
And that is the transformative power of faith in Christ.