Mercy and Compassion – Reflection on Mark 10:46-52
There is a curious dilemma of reacting when you hear a disturbance in ministry moments, such as a baby crying. When this happens, you can imagine Jesus mercifully and joyfully blessing the distraction in the blind man’s healing scene from Mark. We can instantly remember to be grateful that someone is caring for the baby. Our minds will still so we can continue with our ministry with even greater conviction. Undoubtedly, distractions in our prayer life also attempt to turn us away, but we can create ways to re-focus on our closeness to God. These concepts also apply to perceiving the intensely God in our hearts by silently self-identifying fruits such as peace, mercy, and compassion.
The Healed Blind Man Tells His Story by James Tissot, painting at full resolution.
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 10:4-52 – Scripture*
The Healing of Blind Bartimaeus
46 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” 50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 10:46-52 Reflection – Mercy and Compassion.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate various forms of expression in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 10 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Mercy and Compassion
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.