When We Are Tired And Close-Minded
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There was a time when you were in darkness, but now you are light in Christ.
Live as children of light
Ephesians 5: 8
The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids retells the story of Bartimaeus, the blind man in Mark 10 (not John 9). His story unfolds as one of exclusion, longing, and courageous response. It gently reminds us, as disciples of Christ, that everyone belongs.
There are times when exclusion may be necessary—such as setting boundaries to prevent harm, ensuring psychological safety, or preserving a needed skill set. Yet the deeper truth remains: “Impairment doesn’t always cause suffering or death. But lack of belonging always causes suffering and sometimes even death” (The Book of Belonging).
In what ways, consciously or unconsciously, do we exclude others through our spaces, our systems, or our assumptions? Are we willing to pause and listen for God’s gentle voice amid the noise? Are we willing to let our eyes be opened, to walk into the light, and to trust God enough to cry out, and to rise and follow—as Bartimaeus did?
Let Us Pray
God of Light,
Open our eyes that we may live as children of the light. Help us become aware of how our fears and biases lead us to exclude others. Remind us that excluded no one – not those who differ in body, mind, prayer, or way of life. Give us the courage to widen belonging beyond our comfort zone, make us your light and love in our world today.
Reflection Questions / Practices
- Have you ever felt a loss of belonging? How has that shaped your response to others?
- Is it easy to participate in the communities you belong to?
- How do “unsaid” words reveal kindness and welcome or exclusion?
- What needs to change to meet the needs of people consciously or unconsciously excluded from the communities you belong to?
Call Out Quote
Excerpts from The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids (pp. 236-244). Copyright © 2024 by Mariko Clark Straton
When he (Bartimaeus) had lost his sight, he had lost his belonging as well, so he spent his days outside the city, listening and learning.
Almost every person passing by had a story about this mysterious new teacher. And Bartimaeus was very good at listening…. Jesus was healing the brokenness in the ways people treated one another… He spoke of a new kingdom and invited everyone to belong.
It was just as Bartimaeus had heard and hoped! Jesus heeded the cry of people treated as outsiders. Jesus taught people to stop and turn toward that cry. Jesus taught people to bring belonging.
“What would you like me to do?” Jesus’s warm and steadfast voice drew near, and in his words, Bartimaeus heard the other words unsaid. How are you suffering? What do you need? How can I show kindness to you? “My great teacher,” Bartimaeus said breathlessly. “I want to see again.”
“You trust me!” said Jesus. He knew Bartimaeus’s heart. “You’re saved!”