The thing that strikes me about Bartimaeus in the Gospel today is his energy. We don't know how long has has been blind or how old he is but it is clear that he is an blind, adult male who has to survive by begging alms from others. Despite their attempts to marginalise and silende him he is determind to encounter Jesus. He "shouts" and he "cries out even more loudly." When Jesus asks for him he throw off his cloak, springs up and goes directly to the Lord. In other words he will let nothing get in his way as he rushes out to the one he knows as the "Son of David." The onlookers see Jesus as some kind of celebrity. To Bartimaeus Jesus is his only chance to regain his sight. Not only does he receive that he also gets to follow Jesus "on the way." This is the way that leads to the Cross but it also leads to salvation. Bartimaeus takes up his own life. He no longer needs to rely on others as he has Jesus who rewards his faith and leads him to the future with eyes opened to the glory of God.
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