One of the characteristics of St. Mark’s Gospel is that Mark often portrays Jesus as being surrounded by large crowds. These scenes are not unlike crowds we see these days who flock to listen to campaigning politicians or other celebrities. Crowds by their nature are loud and unruly.
That’s what St. Mark portrays in today’s gospel story. He says Jesus is leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd. If we picture the scene, Jesus is once again surrounded by a throng of people, all vying for attention and His words. Outside of the crowd, a blind beggar is sitting by the side of the road. People with infirmities were an embarrassment to the townfolk back then, especially in a town like Jericho where people went for vacations. So as Bartimaeus began to call out to Jesus, he was hushed and I’m sure drowned out by the crowds. But He calls out all the louder.
What’s really amazing is that Jesus not only heard him but called him over. “What can I do for you” He asks. And the blind man simply says “Master I want to see”. Go your way; your faith has saved you Jesus responds.
I am reminded of the many times Jesus is walking surrounded by a crowd when an infirmed person reaches out to Him; He recognizes them and brings them healing: the woman with the hemorrhages; the lepers by the side of the road; the deaf mutes; and the people possessed by demons, to name a few. Every time Jesus hears their cries for help and answers them.
I think one of the messages here is that God always listens to us in our need and answers us as well. No matter how many prayers or requests God is inundated with, over and above the noise of so many voices, God hears us; God pays attention to us; and God’s desire is to help us.
As we gather in this church today, and as all our prayers rise to the throne of God, may we feel His loving attention and hear his compassionate response!