Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem and, on the journey, he has been emphasising what it means to be his disciple. Peter does not get it, refusing to accept that Jesus must die on the cross. The rich young man does not get it, turning away because the cost of discipleship is too high.

The sons of Zebedee, James and John, do not get it, asking Jesus to be at his right and left when Jesus comes into his kingdom.

Jesus arrives in Jericho, the last stage on his journey to Jerusalem, and he encounters someone who does get it. Now Jesus has performed many miracles to this point in the gospel, healing a deaf-mute, a blind-man, a lame-man, as well as the demon-possessed, but none are named, except this blind-beggar: he is Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus.

For Mark, the significance of Bartimaeus is that he demonstrates the characteristics of a real disciple. The twelve do not comprehend the mission of Jesus and they vie for power. The rich young man chooses to keep his money rather than give it away and follow Jesus. It is a wonderful irony that the sighted do not see, but the blind beggar sees and follows the Lord into Jerusalem.

In the time of Jesus, those with a disability had to resort to begging to make a living, but it worked moderately well as it brought together their need to make a living and the need for law-abiding Jews to give alms.

There is a crowd around Jesus and Bartimaeus senses this is his moment. He begins yelling at the top of his voice, “Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.” Everyone tells him to keep quiet as it is embarrassing to hear the cries of a beggar when a distinguished person comes to town.

Like many cities and towns in our own day, the homeless and indigent are rounded up and kept away when community leaders want to make a good impression on important visitors. Sadly, we often want to make the needy invisible.

Jesus hears the voice of Bartimaeus and says to his followers, “Call him here.” When he comes forward, Jesus asks him “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus may be wondering if he wants material assistance.

However, the blind-beggar comes forward, boldly knowing that Jesus is his only hope. His response is, “Rabbuni, Master, let me see again.”

Jesus responds, “Go; your faith has saved you.” Instead of disappearing, he follows Jesus along the road.

Mercy is the gift of God; it calls us to a deepened insight into who Jesus is, a capacity to recognise our deepest needs, the faith to turn in our need to the Lord for mercy, and the compassion to reach out to the needy in our world.

Michael A Kelly CSsR

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