A Story of A Blind Beggar

30^th Sunday in the Ordinary Time

October 23, 2015

Mark 10:46-52

“What do you want me to do for you? (Mrk 10:51)”

The story of Bartimaeus is one of most lovely stories in the Gospel of Mark. It is lovely because it reflects the journey of faith of Bartimeaus as well as the journey of our faith. Bartimaeus is a blind beggar and though he was working hard every day, he remains a beggar for entire of his life. Sometimes, we are like Bartimaeus, we are also blind beggar. Perhaps not a beggar of food or any basic necessities, but we are in search of something deeper and meaningful in our lives, yet we do not know where to find it. 

We try our best to satisfy this longing. Some of us work so hard and earn a lot. Then, we can spend it for expensive and fashionable cloth, for most advanced and latest gadgets, for perfume, toys, and many things. But, no matter how hard we work, and how big we accumulate, still deep inside, we find it wanting. Some perhaps venture into pleasure-seeking hobbies, some are healthy, but some are also unhealthy and leading to addiction, like drinking, gambling and sex. Yet, despite all pleasure we get, we are aware that things seem lacking. Then, we realize we remain beggars.

However, when Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was coming to town, he knew right then and there what he really wanted in his life. Then, he exerted all effort to reach Jesus, to touch Him and to communicate with Him. Like to Bartimaeus, Jesus comes to our lives in unexpected hours and ways, but His presence brings us excitement and our hearts know what we are truly looking for. Now,ired to become a priest. I was just there aiming for a good education, if not best education available to m it is up to us to grab the opportunity and move closer to Jesus.
I entered seminary not really because I aspired to become a priest. I was just there aiming for a good education, if not best education available to me However, as I moved along with my formation, I slowly discovered that Jesus was coming closer to me. I found out simple yet profound joy in serving others without expecting something in return; serenity in prayers and Eucharist; meaningful insight from reading and reflecting the Bible. Perhaps, our initial engagement in the Church, with charitable organizations or ministries is not our original plan; an invitation of a friend, a challenge from a colleague or our parents’ tradition. But, as we move on and become part of it, unexpectedly, we discover Jesus.

Jesus then asked Bartimaeus the most important question in his life, “What do you want me to do for you?” True enough, Bartimaeus gave the right response, “I want to see.” Surely, when he opened his eyes for the first time, the first person he saw would be Jesus and He alone, as St. Theresa of Avilla would say, will be enough. Like Bartimaeus, we are also blind beggars with so many things in lives, like problems, works, addictions, anger, and resentment. Thus, when Jesus comes to us and asks this question, are we going to give our right answer to Him. Are we willing to allow Jesus to open our eyes to see Him, the very reason of our existence? At the end of my minor seminary formation, I met the critical point in my life: whether to ask Jesus to open my eyes and to see Him, or to remind a blind beggar? Perhaps the question is also true with all of us who begin to look for Him and also true for us who have committed ourselves in the various ministries for years.

Are we going to be a beggar for the entire of our lives? Do we acknowledge the presence of Jesus in our lives? Are we willing to make all the effort to approach Him? When Jesus asks what do you what, are we ready to answer, “I want to see You, Lord.”

Allow me to share beautiful words that a good friend has shared to me, “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP