Friday, March 13, 2015

Jesus predicts His death and a request





3.13.2015 Friday of Lent 3                   Mark 10:32-52 Jesus predicts His death and a request

The account of the Batrimaeus healing is a transition from Jesus’ general ministry to His ministry in Jerusalem. The blind man persistently cried out for the “Son of David” to have mercy on him. He raised such a fuss that Jesus attention was called to him. Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted and the answer was “sight”. Jesus attributed the healing to the beggar’s faith evidenced in his persistent cries for help and in his faith in Jesus to help him. Though Jesus told him to go his way, he followed Jesus as he went toward Jerusalem.[2]

Jesus brings sight to a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. He would not take “no” for an answer. He cried persistently to Jesus. Although he was rebuked by the people, he continued to cry out to Jesus.

He trusted implicitly in Jesus’ power to heal. He trust in Jesus’ mercy. That Jesus would help him. His hope was not misplaced. What a blessing to finally see after years of blindness!

Bartimaeus teaches us to pray constantly. Jesus continues to have the power to help us. He continues to be full of mercy. He will always forgive when we penitently pray. He showers us with temporal gifts and blessings for which we pray such as daily bread, health in sickness. And, when He does not removed our cross, it is always for our good.

Grant us, O Lord our Strength, to have a True Love of your Holy Name; so that, trusting in your grace, we may fear no earthly evil, nor fix our hearts on earthly goods, but may rejoice in your full salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.[3]


[1] Image by Ed Rioja © Higher Things
[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff pg. 291, © CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
[3] Collect for Friday of Lent 3,   http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

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