Contemplative Bible Reading

Mark 10:51-52 (New Living Translation)

51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

52 And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

This is the (hi)story of Jesus healing someone, i.e., a miracle. There is a blind man named Bartimaeus by the side of the road. He knows that Jesus is walking his way and he cries for mercy. This is all an uncomfortable situation socially. I mean, really, push these helpless beggars out of sight. We don’t want Jesus to think the rest of us are, well, less than perfect.

Jesus talks to this man asking for mercy. The first words from Jesus are, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Good grief Jesus. Heal his eyes! Right?

Well, the man had asked for mercy. Perhaps the man wanted happiness or money or food. Perhaps the man knew of others who needed food, shelter, and clothing. Perhaps…well, the list goes on. Jesus, not assuming anything and already knowing the answer, asks anyways. I suppose there are many stories and lessons in the fact that God knows what we want and need, yet God waits for us to ask. Jesus wants to hear Bartimaeus say the words. Jesus wants to hear Bartimaeus, and me today, ask.

There is something amazing in saying the words or writing the words or painting the picture or playing the music or expressing something in any one of many ways. There is something cleansing and freeing in expressing ourselves to God. God, our creator, knows that about us. God awaits the request.

Bartimaeus asks. Jesus grants. Bartimaeus follows Jesus thereafter.

Please God, await my words patiently. And thank you for patience.