04_Biblica_1_A_Ossandon_Layout 1 05/11/12 12:18 Pagina 391 391 BARTIMAEUS’ FAITH The best way of describing this phenomenon in narrative terms consists in saying that, in addition to the plot of resolution, Mark 10,46-52 contains a plot of revelation. Keeping this in mind allows us to understand better the stages of the episode, especially the de- nouement. As we shall see, the two plots are not to be considered as strictly parallel; it is more convenient to see the plot of resolution as subordinated to the plot of revelation. 2. Plot of Revelation In contrast to his final assertion in other episodes (Mark 9,37 or 10,42-45) Jesus’ sanction in 10,52 is not about his own mission. He speaks about Bartimaeus. Therefore, the main object of the rev- elation cannot be the identity of Jesus, although it is he who gives the clue to understanding the whole episode. The faith of Bartimaeus “has saved” him. The use of a perfect tense implies that this healing and/or salvation is the current ef- fect of something previous. Thus Jesus’ words imply an ap- proval of Bartimaeus’ behavior and words, just as he had approved the behavior and thoughts of the hemorrhaging woman in Mark 5,25-34. Jesus’ statement unifies the description of the blind man. His many actions appear as a manifestation of a sin- gle reality, his faith. Therefore, the whole episode can be read again, to see whether this faith has appeared throughout the narrative and in what it con- sists. Jesus says “your faith”, and it is logical to wonder about the object of it: faith in God?, in the power of God’s kingdom?, in God’s presence through the action of Jesus? Thus, the question that will orient the analysis of the plot of revelation can be formulated like this: before Jesus reveals Bartimaeus’ faith, was it present somehow in the narrative? In fact, the story does reveal progressively the faith of Bartimaeus through his words and deeds, although the narrator avoids the se- mantic field of faith. The plot of revelation starts at 10,47, for the presentation (10,46) offers no information which can be considered as a manifestation of Bartimaeus’ faith. By asking for mercy, Barti- maeus not only shows his poverty, but he also manifests a particular knowledge about Jesus. He believes that Jesus is merciful and pow- erful to help him. And he calls him using a meaningful title, “Son of David”, in contrast to the neutral information he has heard from