Christ Healing the Blind Man,
Painted by Gioachino Assereto (1600–1649),
Painted circa 1640
Oil on canvas
© Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburg
Christ Healing the Blind Man,
Painted by Gioachino Assereto (1600–1649),
Painted circa 1640
Oil on canvas
© Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburg
Immediately Bartimaeus' sight returned and he followed Jesus along the road
Mark 10:46-52
As Jesus left Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (that is, the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting at the side of the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and to say, 'Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.' And many of them scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he only shouted all the louder, 'Son of David, have pity on me.' Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him here.' So they called the blind man. 'Courage,' they said 'get up; he is calling you.' So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus. Then Jesus spoke, 'What do you want me to do for you?' 'Rabbuni,' the blind man said to him 'Master, let me see again.' Jesus said to him, 'Go; your faith has saved you.' And immediately his sight returned and he followed him along the road.
Reflection on the Painting
Today's canvas was painted circa 1640 by Gioachino Assereto. Based in Genoa, Italy, he was heavily influenced by the work of Rubens. We see Christ in full movement reaching out to touch the blind man's eyes. The blind man is leaning backwards, taken by surprise. His stick is floating on his right into an empty space; it will no longer be needed after the healing. A cheeky child is about to steal the man's begging cup but, as the little boy witnesses the healing, he is leaving the cup where it was. The three different arms in the middle section (Jesus', the blind man's, the child's) are beautifully juxtaposed.
Upon seeing, a whole new world opened for Bartimaeus. When we get up in the mornings and open our eyes, do we really see the world around us? Do we notice the autumn leaves on the trees, the October sunsets, the homeless man we walk past, the old lady who may need help…? If our sight was healed like that of the blind man in our reading, we actually would notice all these things. Today is a day we can pray for us to regain our sight too.
Bartimaeus didn't want pity or money… all he wanted was mercy and he recognised that in Jesus, even without having his sight. He wanted radical change, not just temporary alms or pity. So when Jesus asked his question, 'What do you want me to do for you?', the blind man gave a very straight answer: 'Let me see again'. By giving this straight answer, he subjected himself unconditionally to Jesus' authority… and this changed Bartimaeus from begging along the road to walking on the road with Jesus...
Share this Gospel Reading
Did you like this Gospel reading and art reflection?
Join in the discussion about this artwork & Gospel reading
Readings related to Mark 10:46-52
Join our community
In addition to receiving our Daily Gospel Reading and Art Reflection, signing up for a free membership allows you to:
- Comment and interact with fellow members
- Save your favorite readings & artworks
- Access member’s only content
