The Fellowship of St. Columbanus

St. Mark 10:46-52 He buildeth not with warrior might His empire, nor with heart's affright; But raised upon a Tree for throne Draws all things to himself alone. - hymn for Lauds on Christ the King. In today's gospel, Christ continues his ascent to Jerusalem from the wilderness, and at Jericho he encounters the blind man, Bartimaeus. The story is probably familiar: Bartimeus calls out "Son of David, have mercy on me," and the people tell him to be quiet, but Christ calls Bartimeus to himself and tells him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." But Bartimeus, rather than leaving, follows Christ on his way. There is a striking contrast here with the story of the rich young ruler. Bartimeus is begging on the side of the road and the crowds try to keep him away, whereas the rich man comes to Jesus without any difficulty. The rich man asks what he needs to do to inherit eternal life, while Bartimeus only asks for Christ's mercy to restore his sig