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 you proclaim the Word. When this happens to me, I imagine Jesus mercifully and joyfully blessing the distraction in the blind man healing scene from Mark. I instantly remember to be grateful that the family with the baby felt strong enough in their faith to come to church. My mind stills, and I proclaim with even greater conviction. Undoubtedly distractions in our prayer life attempt to turn us away, but we can create ways to re-focus on our closeness to God. Shouldn’t the measure of how intensely God is in our hearts be silent self-identification of fruits such as 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 reflection on Mark 10:46-52 Reflection – Mercy and Compassion.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Mark 10 Bible passage.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.