BARTIMAEUS AND I -- Mark 10:46-52

 How often we are daunted,

How easily we’re cowed,

We step aside when bullied,

By a peevish, Godless crowd.

We squander opportunities,

By yielding cravenly,

To fear so oft’ unfounded,

Through sheer timidity.

Not so was Bartimaeus,

A beggar who was blind,

Who longed for an encounter,

With the Physician, Jesus Christ.

With lively faith he raised his voice,

Above the scolding crowd,

He would not let them badger him,

His spirit was unbowed.

“Be merciful”, he shouted,

“Son of David pity me”,

The more they tried to quiet him,

The louder grew his plea.

 “Call the man,” said Jesus

He’d heard the beggar’s cry,

Anyone who calls on Him,

He never will deny.

He threw aside his cloak at once,

And at God’s feet He fell.

“What do you want of Me,” said Christ,

“My blindness Lord dispel.”

I too was blind when sin had cast,

It’s ugly blight on me,

I cried aloud like Bartimaeus, 

Now praise God I see.

Myra D’Souza / 30^th April 2012