What do you want me to do for you?

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

– Mark 10:46-52

In the above reading we encounter our blind friend, Bart. He was part of a well defined group in the gospels — the poor, the blind, the deaf, the lame, the sick, the disabled. They were poor, often homeless, and left to beg for food and basic needs. The cultural assumption was that their predicament was a consequence of sin — their sin or the sin of their ancestors. So, they were also regarded as sinners, and therefore impure. No doubt, their suffering was compounded by the humiliation and shame they experienced due to the cultural presumption of sin and impurity. They were clearly marginalized and social outcasts.

This outcast, Bart, had heard of a remarkable man, Jesus. Bart had heard that many who encountered Jesus were changed — the sick were healed, the deaf could hear and the blind could see. So, when Bart heard Jesus was nearby, hope welled up within him that his sight might be restored.  And, so, Bart cried out from the depths of his being, in desperation and hope, “JESUS, HAVE PITY ON ME!” Sadly, but not surprisingly, those around him told him to shut up! After all, he was a nobody. He was an outcast. His experience didn’t matter, his voice didn’t count. How often are we like those around Bart, overlooking the experience and the voice of the down and out, turning a deaf ear to their plea, their need? But, Bart persisted. He continued to cry out. In the midst of the murmur and talk of the large crowd, Jesus heard him, and called out to him.  And Bart came running. He asked Bart a very interesting, and important question: “What do you want me to do for you?” On one level, the answer was obvious — the blind man wanted to see. But, on a deeper level, the question was profound. Bart was being given a voice; he was being invited to identify and speak his truth; he was being given back his dignity, and being lifted out of his shame. Jesus took the opportunity to heal Bart not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.

We see in this interaction a fundamental spiritual message that is valid for all people. It is not a message that is only for Christians, but it is equally true, regardless of one’s religious preferences.  And, as we see in the text itself, it is not just a message for the religiously “correct” or pure folks; it is a message that is also for the poor, the marginalized, and the outcast. The divine presence holds and sustains each one of us in love. Regardless of what words we may use to name this creating and sustaining presence, the mystery beyond the names is asking you and I this same question:  “What do you want me to do for you?” We would do well to reflect on this question. Perhaps we should disregard the first answers that come to mind. They probably do not come from our deepest place or our truest self. They probably reflect our preoccupation with fleeting circumstances and concerns. Rather, what is your deepest longing? What is your greatest need? What place in your life most hungers for the loving presence and the healing compassion of the One, the Beautiful, the True? What is the deepest passion in your life that most needs to be set free? Like Bart, we are being invited to identify and speak our deepest truth. The ‘Mercy within Mercy within Mercy’ is waiting to hear us, and to respond to our deepest longings, our deepest needs. The mystery of the Holy wants to touch all of the dimensions of our lives — physical, emotional, and spiritual. “What do you want me to do for you?”

Bart received his sight. He also was lifted from his shame and received his dignity. And, notably, he then followed Jesus “on the way.” Bart responded to the gift he was given by changing his life – leaving behind his old way of life and embracing the new “way” taught and modeled by Jesus. He was no longer a marginalized outcast. What will be your response to the gifts which you have been given?; to the healing and wholeness you have experienced?; to the dignity you have received through the Divine visitation?