Bartimaeus 2018

There’s no doubt about it, brothers and sisters. It’s a tough old world out there at times, and you don’t have to look very hard to find it. There are people sleeping on our streets, with nowhere to call home. There are others who are hungry and come to use our food bank, generously maintained through people’s donations.

There are also plenty of struggles in the wider world too, in places like Syria, Yemen and South Sudan. Countries are torn apart by war, violence and famine. As we see it all unfold before us, we might feel somewhat powerless because we are unable to ease the stress and pain of so many. But the truth is that, even from afar, we all do we can in our own way, however small.

I’m sure we have all had times where the struggles of daily living overcome us and may almost become too much to bear.  It’s at times like this when many, including myself, have uttered four of  the most profound words possible: “Please God, help me”.

All of us come to God in different ways, but asking God for help at a time we need it most is something I imagine many of us have done. Leaving aside the apparent doom and gloom for moment, you may remember that a while ago there was a series of readings over several weeks about the importance and meaning of bread. I don’t know why, but whenever I preach, the importance of holding to a strong faith comes to the fore, and this morning is no different.

In our Gospel reading this morning we hear of blind beggar Bartimaeus. Daily living was tough for him too. Day after day, he would sit on his blanket in the street, unable to see, only able to hear the world go by.

But one day, on hearing that Jesus was passing by, something compelled Bartimaeus to call out to Him, not with the cry of “please God, help me” that I mentioned before, but something similar and very profound

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me”

Many people tried to keep him quiet but instead, he became emboldened and cried the same phrase all the louder. Eventually, he was told that Jesus had called for him, and a member of the crowd led Bartimaeus to Jesus.

There are so many ways in which this powerful phrase could be interpreted. Yes, it could be a cry for help, given Bartimaeus’ situation. But it could also be interpreted as a plea for forgiveness in some way. When the two are standing together, Jesus asks Bartimaeus what it is that he wants Jesus to do for him. Bartimaeus replies:

“My Teacher, let me see again”.

 Jesus replies:

“Go, your faith has made you well”.

The way in which Jesus interprets Bartimaeus’ plea is crucial here. Jesus sees it not as a cry for help, but as a demonstration of Bartimaeus’ faith, and ultimately, it is his faith which makes him well. If we are to truly live out a life of discipleship, following the ways of Our Lord, our faith should be at the heart of everything we do. The way in which we come to find our faith, and the reasons behind our decision to explore it will be unique to us.

There may have been a particular event in our lives (either good or bad) which proved to be the catalyst for us exploring our faith.  We may wish to give thanks for something which has happened. Or perhaps, as with Bartimeus in our Gospel reading, there may have been a life changing event.

We all lead busy lives, so I would guess that most of us don’t tend to stop and think about how or why we first discovered our faith. Whatever the reason, our faith is now a fundamental part of us and a factor in how we live out our daily lives. Again, the way in which we live out our faith, and the difference it makes in our lives will be unique to us.

Over time, as we grow in faith on our journey with God, that faith can become vital in supporting us, sustaining us in all that we do. Our Gospel reading tells us that, in some circumstances, our faith can prove life changing.

Whenever I preach the end of a sermon, it has almost become habitual for me to ask you to do something. Why then change a habit if it works? It’s never usually anything too taxing, perhaps something to think about over Sunday lunch, although this morning it’s not even as bad as that.

Today, as we leave the church and go out into the wider community, there is something which I will ask you to do for me. However you choose to do it is up to you. I ask you to remain strong in your faith. Make time to grow closer to God, privately or corporately if that is easier. Make time to grow and nurture your faith, however you decide to do it. Come to God. Be with God. Listen to and for God in all that you do.

Above all, let us give thanks to God for His wonderful invitation to follow in the way of discipleship. If we can do that, may we, as with Bartimaeus, have the joy of knowing and living out a strong faith, which can not only change our lives for the good, but also the lives of so many around us.

AMEN