We must cast aside our 'cloaks' to become good disciples of Christ

“People who know Christ, follow Christ, and make Him known.”

I have always been drawn to the story about Bartimaeus, the blind beggar at Jericho (Mark 10:46-52). I picture myself reaching out to Jesus, seeking mercy and healing, eagerly awaiting Jesus’ response to my cry. And upon hearing Him ask, “What do you want me to do for you?” I enthusiastically leap forward with simplicity and faith, daring to answer, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus answers, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.”

But the story does not end there.

Bartimaeus realizes that Jesus is the path forward. Some biblical scholars see his act of casting aside his cloak as a sign that he wanted something different, something new. After all, this cloak was a tool of his trade; it was a kind of “basket” where any coins that were tossed to him would fall. Without his cloak, Bartimaeus would have great diªculty collecting the alms offered to him. Thus, the act of casting aside his cloak essentially demonstrates that Bartimaeus no longer wants to be identified with his past life. He believes and trusts that Jesus is going to heal him; therefore, he no longer needs his cloak. However, Bartimaeus receives more than he expects.

With the words, “Go your way,” and the miraculous restoration of his sight only seconds before, and probably still in a daze, Bartimaeus faces a critical decision. Jesus asks something of him (from us) that requires complete trust and openness to God’s will. Would he accept Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, to be His disciple? Bartimaeus gives his answer and “followed him [Jesus] on the way” to Jerusalem and to His passion. Hence, we learn from Bartimaeus that faith is not meant to sit at the roadside, looking blindly inward. Instead, with gratitude for all Jesus gives and in response to His invitation, we cast aside our cloaks, and our faith enthusiastically rises to His call, joyfully willing to follow Him “on the way.”

As Bartimaeus quickly learns, discipleship is not just about being saved (receiving his sight) and enjoying Jesus’ company. ’e world desperately needs the saving truth and healing touch of Christ. ’erefore, to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, proclaiming the Good News to all people everywhere and always, requires that the seeds of faith planted at Baptism be nurtured through prayer, acts of penance and charity, and faithful study, for “unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build” (Psa 127:1).

This requires listening to the Word of God as it comes to us through the Church, which helps us to grow in knowledge and love of what God has revealed through Sacred Scripture and Tradition. So, we immerse ourselves in contemplation and reflection of Sacred Scripture; we learn and familiarize ourselves with Catholic doctrine and the Church’s moral tradition, as well as reading and studying the writings of the popes, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, and the lives of the saints. Moreover, we seek the beauty and necessity of silent retreat, relishing quiet time with the Master, so we may hear His voice and receive His guidance and peace.

A disciple, therefore, develops a heart for God and is willing to make sacrifices to personally grow – casting aside our cloaks – to live the habits of the Christian life, and to seek integral formation, concerned with the kind of person the Master calls each of us to be.

Father Shenan J. Boquet is the president of Human Life International and a priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, LA. Please keep Human Life International in your continued prayers and support.