Jesus and his disciples came to Jericho. As he 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
Many of us, especially if we are living in a city, pass folks who are begging on the street. Some are passive and some are quite aggressive. We often turn away and ignore them because they make us uncomfortable. They call us away from our sense of security and that we have everything under control. Bartimaeus was one of the loud, aggressive beggars. Everyone tried to ignore him and to silence him. But Jesus, knew his deep need, and when the blind man asked for his sight again, Jesus restored it. Despite disciples and others trying to keep him away, Jesus stopped and listened to his need. Bartimaeus' joy and gratitude may him follow Jesus immediately.
Loving Creator, you are healing and restoring
your love aches to bring us true wholeness
no matter how broken and lost we might be
you stop and call us to receive your healing.
Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.
We ignore the cries of those who are hurting
and we fail to see the critical needs around us
we try to act as if we are way above the fray
yet we ache to call out to you when we suffer.
Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.
Our teacher, help us all to see with love again
make our eyes wide open, our hearts as well
so we might hear the cries of those you love
and stop and reach out to the ones in need.
Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.
We are afraid when we encounter others' pain
and we are reluctant to cry out loud to you.
Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.
Help us to remember you way of healing
help us live your way of love and compassion.
Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.
For you are our Creator, source of love
and you are here on our streets today.
Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love. Amen.
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