On The Way With Jesus

Thursday, July 20, 2011

Reading: Mark 10:46-52

Reflection: This story brings to an end the discipleship section of Mark. One notable features of Mark's gospel is his use of "on the way." This phrase becomes a technical term in Mark for the pattern of Jesus' life which a disciple is to adopt as their own pattern of living. This is why believers were called People of the Way before they were called Christians. So, when Jesus bumps into blind Bartimaeus, it not surprising to see that the blind man is begging "by the way." It's also interesting to note that Bartimaeus means "son of honor." So, here is a son of honor, sitting by the way, and forced to beg for food. And while he is blind, he actually sees Jesus more clearly than many in that he knows Jesus is the Messiah (son of David). When Jesus heals him, Bartimaeus is invited to "go his way" and Bartimaeus chooses to follow Jesus "on the way" of discipleship. In this way, Mark tells us that those who see clearly and hear well recognize that their way needs to be the Jesus' Way. When they do, they are people who truly do see all things clearly. May I have the insight and courage to daily follow Jesus as He leads me "on the way" of discipleship.