Mark 10: 46-52
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.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
The Movements of Identity
As I prayed through today’s Gospel passage using my imaginative senses in an Ignatian contemplation, I became very curious about how Bartimaeus may have experienced a shifting sense of identity throughout his encounter with Jesus. Trusting in the work of the Holy Spirit to guide my prayer, here is what I noticed as I “became” Bartimaeus:
- I am a beggar. I am blind. I beg for my survival in the same location day after day and it’s as though people no longer see me. I must be invisible. Although I am the one who is blind, I long to be seen.
- I am called. I hear the commotion of the crowd accompanying Jesus of Nazareth. I call out to him for mercy. People tell me to be quiet, wanting to keep me invisible. But Jesus becomes still. He heard the specificity of my longing. Although I am the one crying out, Jesus calls me to him.
- I am known. I can hardly believe Jesus has called me to him! He is the famous healer. I’m going to receive my sight! Lord, have mercy! But when I reach Jesus, he asks me a question. Although I am the one who knows of him, Jesus takes the time to get to know me.
- I am affirmed and I am sent. Jesus sees me. He affirms my existence, the particularity of my longing, and my faith. Jesus affirms me as I am and I am made well. Jesus tells me to, “Go,” and I know he wants me to live my life anew. Although I am the one who was in lack, Jesus affirms my wholeness.
I must follow This Man. Won’t you follow him too?
—Laura Gilmartin Hancock facilitates Urban Plunge immersion retreats through Casa Romero: A Jesuit Renewal Center, serves on the leadership team of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps of Milwaukee, and maintains a private spiritual care practice for monthly spiritual direction as well as the accompaniment of people through The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. She completed her formation to serve in this capacity through the Seminars in Ignatian Formation with the Midwest Province of Jesuits.
Prayer
Spirit of Christ,
we call out to you.
We call out to you
in our need and with our deepest longings.
Thank you for hearing us, for calling us, for knowing us.
Help us to receive the affirmation of our wholeness
as coming from you.
Spirit of Christ,
may we be made well
and follow you.
Amen.
—Laura Gilmartin Hancock
Pray with the Pope
The Holy Father’s Monthly Prayer Intentions Brought to you by Apostleship of Prayer the first Friday of each month.