Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:46-52
“Difficulties soon arise for the man who searched in darkness for Christ, who is passing by… Bartimaeus doesn’t pay the slightest attention. Jesus is his great hope, and he doesn’t know if their paths will ever cross again. And instead of keeping quiet, he cries out all the louder. Son of David, have mercy on me… The blind man’s prayer is heard. He has achieved His desire, in spite of external difficulties, in spite of the pressure of his surroundings, and despite his own blindness, which has prevented him from knowing exactly where Jesus is. For Jesus has remained silent, apparently indifferent to his petition…”
Francis Fernandez in In Conversation with God: Meditations for Each Day of the Year, volume 3 (London: Scepter, 1990) 455-456.
After gathering a sampling of passionate Christians from around the world, I plan to warn them today about the difficulties that will arise for them the minute or the hour they get home.
That’s how the evil on works. Their contexts are filled with darkness. They have experienced light and clarity. But the minute they get him, it will be difficult for them.
What should they do? What should we all do, even when it seems like Jesus is indifferent to our petition, even when it seems like we pray to no avail.
Serving our context generously means that we ignore the difficulties and cry out to Jesus. And when we get His attention, we ask for vision so we can see.
Father in heaven, grant every Global Gathering participant (and every person reading this) courage to call to Jesus, despite difficulties, and ask for the ability to see in this dark world. And make it so by your Holy Spirit. Amen.