"From Bifocals to Trifocals" - Mark 10:46-52 - October 29, 2000

Several years ago I had an appointment with my Eye Doctor and he informed me that I needed bifocals. "What?" I anxiously asked, "My eyes can’t be that bad." It was a rude awakening for me since my eyes had deteriorated with age. Admitting this to myself was not easy. I have worn glasses all my life but to wear lenses with little boxes in them didn’t appeal to me at all.

But then I learned of something called, "no-line" bifocals. That meant you couldn’t see lines in my glasses and no one would know the difference. Also, my new glasses are designed to let me read, see close and see far. Instead of bifocals I now have trifocals and fortunately I am still able to have lenses with no lines.

At first I was unwilling to hear the news that my eyes had gotten progressively worse. A few tests enabled me to "see" that it was definitely time for a lens change. This is a story about the need for changing lenses and how seeing in a new way affects our lives.

Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who recognized that Jesus was near. Thus, he cried out, "Have mercy on me." Jesus then asked him what he wanted and Bartimaeus said, "Let me receive my sight." Voices in the crowd told him to keep quiet, but Jesus told them to bring Bartimaeus to him. He then receives his sight and is told that his faith has helped him to see.

The faith of Bartimaeus is forthright and determined. Rather than remain in the background with the hope that Jesus might come by and lay a hand on him, he speaks up, announces his handicap. And when he receives his sight he becomes a follower.

But think of all those who have their vision but are blinded by pride, selfishness or individualism. They can’t see since they are trying to do everything for themselves. Or perhaps they can’t admit to themselves that they are deficient in some area. Even worse, perhaps they are indifferent and care for no one other than themselves.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.........!!" So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes they saw a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

Their four-year-old watched it all in silence.Then, one evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. No word was spoken but tears streamed down their cheeks and both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds forever process the messages they absorb. Remember the saying "Children are like sponges, they absorb everything and anything that is put in front of them." Bartimaeus was like a child of faith, perceiving that what Jesus expected of him was to follow, giving his love for others. He realized he needed God and was dependent upon him to see. He had a limitation but that didn’t prevent him from speaking up in a crowd. And with his new found sight he would now spend his life helping others.

I recently heard Rev. William Willimon speak at one of our UCC churches in Ohio. He was reminding us of how times have changed. When he was a boy, growing up in the fifties, the church, the local school, the entire community was all intertwined. For example, when the movie, Ben Hur came to town, they closed the school so that all the children could see it. Churches encouraged their people to view it and even local business cooperated to make a time available.

Society today is quite different. Churches, schools, and local governments are all doing their own thing. Consequently people are trying to live their lives with greater independence. Its harder to find folks with a determined faith like Bartimaeus who are willing to be dependent on God. People believe they can live without any connection to the church. Parenting skills are being passed on to the schools. And government is expected to fix everyone’s problems.

In other words we have a society that needs a lens change and one that will apply the same enthusiasm that Bartimaeus did. Without hesitation he sprung into action. This was an old dirty beggar whose life was transformed into a vital, vibrant man. When Jesus comes to him he "throws off his cloak" and is ready for something to happen. Bartimaeus is ready for action. He believes in the power of Jesus and with his new vision he becomes an instant disciple.

Do we no longer have faith that the love and power of Jesus can still make a difference today? Have we submitted ourselves to an attitude that every individual, every facet of society can go it alone? Could it be that our current prosperity is leading us in a direction where we no longer need God to survive?

This is the last miracle that occurs in the gospel of Mark. It is the last opportunity for Jesus to enable the disciples to see. Most importantly it is a dramatic example of a life which is transformed.

Those new no-line trifocals I purchased several years ago are now due to be replaced. Once again my eyes have changed and my lenses are scratched. But like everyone else I have procrastinated because of the time, effort and the price of getting new glasses. Instead of enjoying a new found vision I remain partially blind.

The human traits of stubbornness, procrastination and the unwillingness to pay a price are holding me back. I believe they are the same traits that keep us from following Jesus with enthusiasm and determination. "Have mercy on us, Lord, and help us to see."

Dr. Keith Wagner, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio