Just keep walking: The pilgrimage of Christ

For the past several Sundays the Gospel has centered around what appears to be a series of impossibilities. Each one comes from chapter 10 in Mark: marriage without the option of divorce (10:1-12); the rich entering the Kingdom of God easily (Mk 10:17-31); and a pilgrimage to Jerusalem without fear of persecution (10:32-34). In response to this, the disciples, understandably in confusion, ask themselves, “Then who can be saved?” (Mk 10:26). As the group walks with Jesus along “the way,” they inch ever closer to the place where their teacher will finally be condemned to death in Jerusalem. Mark’s narrative is closer to its end and Jesus is closer to the end of his earthly pilgrimage. The reader is warned, “those who followed were afraid” (Mk 10:32). 

This Sunday’s readings highlight the “throng” guided by the hand of the Lord. It turns out that the most vulnerable are ready for the journey. Who, however, will lead them? Who will walk with them?

Both the first reading and the Gospel draw out a need to travel to Jerusalem but for different reasons. For one it becomes a potential moment to rejoice. Jeremiah is exultant and rejoices that the time to leave “the land of the north” and return to Israel is at hand. Curiously, those who are considered unable to make the arduous journey across these mountains are encouraged and given a direct invitation. “I will gather them,” says the Lord, “with the blind and the lame in their midst, the mothers and those with child; they shall return as an immense throng” (Jer 31:8). Imagine the impossibility of pregnant women, those in labor, the blind and lame crossing the most difficult of terrains! The prophetic words focus on the guiding hand of the Lord who leads with compassion, on level roads, and there will be no stumbling for anyone (Jer 31:9). 

How is this possible? It must speak to faith in the deepest sense, when the road ahead is not definitive. The reader has already been encouraged from a previous Sunday Gospel, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God” (Mk 10:27). In poetic language, the lame will walk and the blind will see. 

The blind man, called Bartimaeus in this Sunday’s reading, appears to follow among the throng to Jerusalem. Perhaps he even encourages others along this journey by the example of his faith. Jesus responds to his persistence and his capacity already to see with the eyes of faith: “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me!” (Mk 10:47). Bartimaeus wishes “to see” and yet already sees a royal and divine authority in the person of Jesus. The former visually impaired Bartimaeus has his vision restored and is able to follow Jesus on the way. He was not asked to follow, however, and to make the difficult decision to go to Jerusalem where Jesus awaits his persecution. “Go your way,” says the Master, “your faith has saved you” (Mk 10:52). Bartimaeus makes up his own mind and follows him anyway. He models a great possession of faith: vision and courage without certainty. 

This passage closes the chapter of impossibilities and the next scene takes Jesus into the passion narrative. The throng will follow him to Jerusalem, but they will also scatter. What inspires in this Sunday’s reading is Bartimaeus’s example in his choice to follow, even when he has the option to hold back, to stay behind. His impediment served as a strength and example for others to follow along as they witness to Jesus’ healing through this blind man with the vision of faith. Bartimaeus’s interaction with Jesus captures well the sentiment from this Sunday’s second reading: “He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness” (Heb 5:2). When it comes to faith, the faithful are encouraged to move along the journey together, as a throng. All we have to do is follow, even within the limitations we carry.