Have Mercy

They came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:46-52

Loving Creator source of all healing

you hear the cries of the suffering

you have mercy on all in distress

and you ache to heal all of creation.

You walked along dusty ancient roads

and heard the cry of the blind man

Bartimaeus cried out to you as you passed

and you touched him so he might see again.

We are embroiled in a great pandemic

sickness again is breaking out everywhere

we have learned how to live and take care

yet daily we put only ourselves first.

Jesus, son of David, have mercy on us

restore our faith and our compassion

help us to hear the cries of the suffering

and reach out to all who need your love. Amen.