A Reflection by Rev Alistair McLeod for Sunday 24th October 2021.
A Reflection by Rev Alistair McLeod for Sunday 24th October 2021.

A Reflection by Rev Alistair McLeod for Sunday 24th October 2021.

Scripture: St Mark chapter 10 verses 46 ff.

This is the story about a blind man called Bartimaeus.  He lived in a very wealthy and well-developed city called Jericho.  If there had been buses the destination would have read Jerusalem via Jericho.  Everyone wanting to journey to Jerusalem had to go through Jericho, so Jericho was a vibrant, wealthy and busy city; all the rich and famous lived there the King Herod had his winter retreat there.

Every morning Bartimaeus got up and made his way to his favourite place with his begging bowl.   He felt his way through the city trying to avoid bumping into anyone then having to hear the snide remarks shot in his direction.

On this particular day he was finding moving around far more difficult, there seemed to be more people about that usual, so he stopped to listen. He overheard some talk about the Rabbi from Nazareth being here in Jericho.  Today he didn’t try to avoid the crowd. Today he allowed himself to be pushed along with the crowd knowing they were looking for Jesus.  The crowd stopped and he heard a single voice talking.  He stood up and shouted ”Master, let me see again”.  Immediately the crowd turned nasty and began telling him to be quiet.  Even the disciples who were with Jesus began telling him to be quiet.  But Jesus said “call him”, so they called him and Bartimaeus came to Jesus and said ”Son of David, have mercy on me”.

He was healed at once and he followed Jesus along the road.

Can each of us find the faith and the courage to follow Christ

Yes, we can and furthermore we know that we can put all our trust in him.

And now a prayer for you.

Jesus, Son of David, sometimes we can get so caught up in the stresses of life that we become blind to your presence. Reassure us Lord that we can always put our trust in you. Amen