Scripture reflection for May 29, 2008
100:2-5. Mark 10:46-52. Lectionary # 350:
God's word shows us a great balance for both the community and the
individual. It is a both...and type of revelation throughout not an either
...or. In our first reading the community of believers is central. The
background from which the author writes is both the Hebrew Scriptures
(especially Exodus 19:3-8) and from the kerygma of the apostles, that is,
their apostolic preaching based on the words and deeds of Jesus. God is
addressed as One and these words are common both to the Church and the
Synagogue: "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated
nation, a people he claims for his own to proclaim the glorious works of
the One who called you from darkness into marvelous light." We see the
Exodus theme, the covenant, and the image of Moses on Mount Sinai behind
these lines.
In turning to the passage from Mark--the basic Gospel of
discipleship-- the individual is central to the story. A blind man named
Bartimaeus (Mark tells us BAR means son) cries out "Jesus, Son of David,
have pity on me!" Again, the crowd tries to keep him silent just as the
disciples of Jesus chased away the children from bothering their master.
However, the blind man shouts all the louder, "Jesus, Son of David, have
pity on me." Then the crowd realizes that Jesus does want to see him. They
say, "Take heart, he is calling you." The blind man then requests his
sight and Jesus tells him, "Go your faith has made you well." The words of
Jesus have an effect on us for we hear Jesus talking about following him
with trust. We are told that the man once healed "followed him on the way."
The words "calling", "follow", and the prayer of the blind man show us that
we too are called to follow Jesus once we know who he is through our prayer
of the heart filled with trust in Jesus, the Son of David." We are
encouraged to use this prayer today, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on
me." ...and He will. Amen.
posted by Fr. Bert SM at 8:52 AM
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