Sight and insight

Sight and insight

Reverend Sharon McRann, High Prairie United Church for South Peace News

A woman named Julie with cerebral palsy asked her pastor, Why did Jesus heal people then, but does not heal people now? Is it because Im bad?

Its definitely not because shes bad, but it is a difficult question to answer, because it is valid. We speak of Jesus healing people, and yet Julie still lives in a wheelchair. She is a church attender and a woman of strong faith.

Whats wrong? Even if we believe in healing miracles today, the truth is theyre not for everyone, regardless of the amount of faith. The question, for many of us, goes unanswered.

Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus that he wants his sight back. We dont know any of the particulars as to why hes blind, or how long hes been blind, but he makes his request. He is told that his faith has made him well; and immediately he can see.

Simple explanations include the suggestion that the blindness is a temporary condition. Maybe Bartimaeus simply doesnt realize that washing his eyes, or applying a simple herbal treatment, might open them.

On the other hand, the story mentions nothing of the kind.

One option is to take the story as a metaphor for our own living. All of us have things that keep us from committing ourselves to following in Gods way, in the way of Christ. However, when we recognize or acknowledge God or Jesus in our lives really recognize who He is and call out, Christ or God can offer wholeness, calling us to journey in a new life.

Commentaries tend to downplay the miracle which was an actual healing, and focus instead on the variety of symbolic meanings. What is clear is that the story tells us that someone cries out for healing/salvation, is rebuked by the disciples, receives healing and an affirmation of faith from Jesus, and upon experiencing new life leaves everything and follows Him.

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Sight and insight