The last event in Mark 10 is the healing of Bartimaeus, a
blind beggar. Learning that Jesus of
Nazareth was passing by, he began to shout and beg for mercy. He was not to be silenced, and Jesus called
him to come forward. Interestingly,
Jesus does not presume what he wants, even though it was evident that he was
blind. He simply inquires, “What do you
want me to do for you?”
Bartimaeus
articulates his request: “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus commends his faith for its healing
power and, having regained sight, becomes a disciple. He “followed him on the
way” (10:52) and helps galvanize the faith of disbelieving others as Jesus
journeys toward Jerusalem.
I wonder
how we might respond if Jesus put such a question to us? Do we know what we most need? Can we articulate our need for reorientation
in life and death? The clarity of our answer determines the trajectory of our
lives.
I attended
the memorial service of a long time friend and colleague on Monday in Waco, Texas. I first met Diana Richmond (Garland) in
college at Oklahoma Baptist University in 1968.
She was a serious student; I was not.
She was a city girl; I was not.
She exuded maturity beyond her years; I was more into mischief than
maturity. I remember her typing David’s
papers, a rare kindness in my estimation—especially since he was a philosophy
major!
They
married and went off to Southern Seminary, and I caught up with them a few
years later when I became a Master of Divinity student. Then we became teaching colleagues, and
Diana’s excellence as a scholar and adept leader inspired me to strive harder.
She was
able to see clearly, and her vision for the integration of Christian faith and
the best social work practices is an enduring legacy. Her impact on generations of students is remarkable,
and the world is better because of her relentless challenge to systems that
marginalize the poor, children, and those without educational privilege.
Diana died
too young, and she left a long “to do” list for her colleagues at the School of
Social Work at Baylor, recently named for her.
As we gathered to honor her in remembrance, sing our faith, and
accompany her family, we gave thanks for her extraordinary capacity to see a
more hopeful future for those whose circumstances make life harder.
In my
imagination, Diana answered Jesus’ question “what do you want me to do for
you?” with a resounding, “I want you to help me prepare women and men to embody
the Gospel for the least of these.”
Jesus surely answered her request, and all who knew her bear witness to
the grace of her life.
Molly T.
Marshall
Central prepares women and men for seeking God, shaping
church, and serving humanity.
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