ACC ~ Mark 10 v46 - 52

OVERVIEW:

The wretched helplessness of fallen humanity is seen symbolically in the blindness of Bartimaeus (AUGUSTINE). Grace calls for responsiveness on our part. God’s electing and assuring promise does not coerce our will or preempt free response (CHRYSOSTOM). To follow him on the way is to take him as our pattern, receive nourishment from his grace, and let him be our ransom for sins (AUGUSTINE).

10:46 | The Son of Timaeus

THE FALL FROM LOFTINESS

AUGUSTINE: Mark has recorded both the name of Bartimaeus and of his father, [1] a circumstance which scarcely occurs in all the many cases of healing which had been performed by the Lord. … Consequently there can be little doubt that this Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, had fallen from some position of great prosperity, and was now regarded as an object of the most notorious and the most remarkable wretchedness, because, in addition to being blind, he had also to sit begging. HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS 2.65. [2]

[1] Cf. Mk 10:46. Augustine is asking about the implication of the curious fact that the father of the blind beggar is named.

[2] Cetedoc 0273, 2.65.125.227.17; NPNF 1 6:159.

10:51 | What Do You Want Me to Do for You?

WILLING THE HEALTHY WAY

CHRYSOSTOM: He will save assuredly; [1] yet he will do so just in the way he has promised. But in what way has he promised? [2] On our willing it, and on our hearing him. For he does not make a promise to blocks of wood. [3] HOMILY ON 2 THESSALONIANS 3.4. [4]

[1] Cf. Ps 145:19; Prov 20:22; Is 25:9; Zeph 3:17.

[2] The issue is, Does his electing and assuring promise coerce our will or preempt our free response?

[3] Is 1:19-20; Jn 5:40.

[4] TLG 2062.163, 62.493.5-9; GMI 263*.

10:52a | And Immediately He Received His Sight

ADORATION OF THE LIGHT

CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: The commandment of the Lord shines clearly, enlightening the eyes. Receive Christ, receive power to see, receive your light, that you may plainly recognize both God and man. More delightful than gold and precious stones, more desirable than honey and the honeycomb is the Word that has enlightened us. [1] How could he not be desirable, who illumined minds buried in darkness, and endowed with clear vision “the light-bearing eyes” of the soul? … Sing his praises, then, Lord, and make known to me your Father, who is God. Your Word will save me, your song instruct me. I have gone astray in my search for God; but now that you light my path, Lord, I find God through you, and receive the Father from you, I become co-heir with you, since you were not ashamed to own me as your brother. Let us, then, shake off forgetfulness of truth, shake off the mist of ignorance and darkness that dims our eyes, and contemplate the true God, after first raising this song of praise to him: “All hail, O light!” For upon us buried in darkness, imprisoned in the shadow of death, a heavenly light has shone, a light of a clarity surpassing the sun’s, and of a sweetness exceeding any this earthly life can offer. EXHORTATION TO THE GREEKS 11. [2]

[1] Cf. Ps 19:10.

[2] TLG 0555.001, 11.113.1.9-3.1; 113.4.4-114.2.1; JF B 128-29*; SC 2, 181-83.