Call and Response
As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 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.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” – Mark 10:46-51 (NRSV)
I have been the beggar sitting by the roadside, audaciously hoping that something good would pass by. Maybe you have been, too.
From time to time I have, in my own way, cried out—if not for mercy, exactly, at least for some acknowledgment.
Although it hurts to admit it, I have also, on occasion, been embarrassed by a persistent beggar, inconvenienced by a righteous protester, threatened by an outsider trying to break into a privileged circle. Maybe you, too, for whatever reason, have sought to silence those crying out for justice, compassion, or a helping hand.
We can be the beggar. We can be the bothered. But here’s the thing: We can also, if we choose, be like Jesus. We, too, can stop whatever important thing we’re doing to respond to someone in need. We, too, can attend to the hurting people right in front of us. If we’re brave enough, we can ask them what their heart desires.
And then, if we really want to be like Jesus, we can listen—truly listen—to what they have to say.
Prayer
Holy One, who hears our prayers, grant me a listening heart.
About the AuthorVicki Kemper is the Pastor of First Congregational, UCC, of Amherst, Massachusetts.