Homily-Sunday 27 October 2024 – XXX Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)- Rev. Dr. Patrick Mathias SDB

Sunday 27 October 2024 – XXX Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Mass Readings: Jer 31:7-9   Ps 126   Heb 5:1-6   Mk 10:46-52

Key verse to Meditate: As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside (Mk 10:46).

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Today, the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time presents us with the encounter of the blind beggar, Bartimaeus of Jericho. This story closes the "section on the road" in Mark’s Gospel, which began after the feeding of the four thousand with the healing of the blind man at Bethsaida (Mk 8:22-26). Thus, this section starts and concludes with healings on the journey to Jerusalem, preparing us for Jesus’ eventual triumphal entry into the Holy City. Today’s readings also emphasize themes of restoration and divine inclusion. The first reading from Jeremiah envisions the blind among those returning from exile, while the second reading from Hebrews reflects on how Christ fulfils the qualities of the perfect high priest.

The First Reading: A Promise of Restoration

The first reading from the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the Lord’s promise to restore Israel and bring His people back to their land after exile. This passage is a salvation oracle (Jer 31:7-14). The first part (v.7) celebrates the salvation granted by the Lord, while the second (vv.8-9) proclaims the coming of this salvation. Jeremiah calls on the people to “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chiefs of the nations.” The exhortation to sing and rejoice, often found in the writings of the prophet Isaiah (Is 54:1; 12:6; 24:14), is significant here, as the people’s return involves deep gratitude and lamentation over past suffering, symbolizing God’s fidelity to His promises even through hardship.

The term “remnant of Israel” reflects both God’s faithfulness and the people’s endurance through their exile. Even those who are weak and vulnerable—the blind, the lame, and those unable to help themselves—are welcomed in the Lord’s procession back to their homeland. In the ancient context, individuals who were physically impaired were excluded from temple service (cf. Lev 21:18) or military service (cf. 2 Sam 5:5). Yet, here, the prophet shows how God’s redemptive love embraces all, even the weakest members of the community. This inclusive vision emphasizes that the Lord rescues the weak from those who dominate them (Ps 35:10) and restores His people, regardless of their physical or social condition.

God’s Tender Guidance

In the following verses (Jer 31:8-9), the Lord Himself speaks, promising to regather Israel and provide a life of joy and abundance. The returning exiles weep in repentance, recognizing their dependence on God’s mercy and strength. As their Father, the Lord accompanies His people, guiding them on a safe journey back to their homeland. Just as He cared for Israel during their exodus from Egypt (cf. Ex 17:7; Is 48:21), the Lord again demonstrates His compassionate care, assuring them of His protection and provision.

This journey back to Israel is marked by a renewed covenantal relationship, where God calls Israel “My first-born” (Ex 4:22), urging them to respond with fidelity (Deut 32:6; Jer 3:19). Their path home is made possible by God’s consolations, His direction, and His provision. In response, the people, newly repentant and committed, now walk faithfully in the way of the Lord.

 

The Second Reading

In today’s reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, we reflect on Christ as the High Priest who, in His divine compassion, fully understands the fragility of those who serve Him (Heb 5:1-3). The primary role of the high priest was to present the people’s offerings to God and to make sacrifices for the atonement of sins. This sacred office was to be held in the highest regard and performed with a deep sense of responsibility. In the Old Testament, the high priest would offer a sin sacrifice for himself as well as for the people (cf. Lev 16:6). However, Christ, being sinless and perfectly holy, was not required to make a sacrifice for His own sins. In His purity and complete innocence, Christ the High Priest is able to fully sympathize with our weaknesses and offer us divine aid.

Christ’s unique appointment and His profound compassion make Him a one-of-a-kind High Priest. Unlike the priests of old, who had to make sacrifices for their own sinfulness, Christ’s holiness and perfect love allow Him to intercede for us in an entirely selfless manner. In the second part of the reading, we see that the high priest’s calling is, above all, a divine vocation (Heb 5:4). Chosen and consecrated by God, the high priest’s role is to lead His people to redemption. Hebrews 5:1-4 draws a close parallel between the priesthood of Jesus and the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament, as also mentioned in Hebrews 4:15-16 (cf. Heb 7:3).

Importantly, the direction of thought here moves not from Aaron to Christ but from Christ to Aaron, highlighting that Jesus' priesthood is the original and eternal model. The reading underscores that Christ is a merciful High Priest in service to God (Heb 2:17). This priesthood was not something Christ seized or imposed upon Himself; it was conferred by His Heavenly Father. As such, His priesthood endures forever, like that of Melchizedek, the priest-king of old (cf. Ps 110:4).

The Gospel Reading: The Importance of the Journey Towards Jerusalem

In today’s Gospel, we encounter the healing of blind Bartimaeus, an event recorded in all three synoptic gospels (Mt 20:29-34; Lk 18:35-43). Jesus is leaving Jericho, on His final journey toward Jerusalem—the place of His passion, death, and resurrection. The biblical roads are often the settings for profound encounters with God, and this journey underscores the gravity of Jesus’ mission as He heads resolutely toward His sacrificial end.

Mark’s Gospel places special emphasis on this journey to Jerusalem, with Jesus repeatedly predicting the suffering He will face there: “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again” (Mk 10:33-34). In a preceding verse, we read that Jesus walked ahead of His followers, and the disciples, filled with awe and fear, followed behind Him (Mk 10:32). Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, though it would end in His death, held a purpose He eagerly pursued, leading us to the encounter between Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, and Jesus.

The Blind Beggar Bartimaeus

Bartimaeus, the blind son of Timaeus, was a simple beggar who spent his days sitting beside the road, relying on the charity of those journeying to Jerusalem. On this day, Bartimaeus hears an unusual commotion and learns that it is Jesus of Nazareth passing by. This news is all Bartimaeus needs; with deep faith, he begins to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Despite being rebuked by the crowd, he calls out even more loudly, expressing unwavering hope in Jesus’ power and mercy (Mk 10:47-48).

Bartimaeus’ cry, calling Jesus the “Son of David,” ascribes to Jesus a royal and messianic title—a bold expression of faith in Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. Yet, Bartimaeus’ understanding of the title connects it with earthly royalty and power. Jesus, however, often refers to Himself as the “Son of Man,” a term from Daniel 7:13 that denotes a royal figure whose glory emerges not from earthly thrones, but through suffering, humility, and ultimately, divine exaltation (Mk 9:2-8).

The two titles—the “Son of David” and the “Son of Man”—reveal a deeper truth about Jesus’ identity. True royalty, as demonstrated by Jesus, requires service; true glory is intertwined with sacrifice. There is no throne without the cross, no exaltation without humility, and no glory without the willingness to endure suffering. Bartimaeus’ invocation of faith allows him to understand that Jesus chooses to embrace His royal role only through the path of the “Son of Man.” Thus, in this encounter, Jesus accepts the title of “Son of David” but redefines it, revealing the true nature of His kingship as one rooted in love, sacrifice, and divine mercy.

Let Me See Again

The blind beggar Bartimaeus, sitting by the roadside, must have heard of the remarkable preacher and healer named Jesus. Mark emphasizes that Bartimaeus wasn’t just physically blind but was also a man of deep faith. Unlike others, he addressed Jesus with a unique intimacy, saying, “My teacher,” expressing his innermost desire simply and humbly: “Let me see again” (Mk 10:51). This humble prayer touched the heart of Jesus, who, though initially passing by, could not continue after hearing Bartimaeus’ sincere cry of faith. Jesus stopped, calling Bartimaeus to Himself (Mk 10:49). Here we see the profound truth that even the all-powerful God responds to a humble, sincere plea; His divine will is moved by faith and humility.

The Blind and the Lame Gather in Jerusalem

At the end of the miracle, Jesus declares, “Go; your faith has made you well” (Mk 10:52). Bartimaeus’ faith in Jesus brought him healing and wholeness. His deep conviction led him to cry out persistently, addressing Jesus with the Messianic title, “Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mk 10:47-48), despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him. Bartimaeus likely recognized, through hearing the Scriptures read aloud, that the coming Messiah would indeed bring sight to the blind, fulfilling the promises found in the prophets.

Today’s first reading from Jeremiah prophesies this moment of gathering and healing: “See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labour, together; a great company, they shall return here” (Jer 31:7-8). Bartimaeus’ healing fulfilled this prophecy as he, now with restored sight, joined Jesus and the crowd in their journey toward Jerusalem. In this act, Bartimaeus becomes a living witness of faith and fulfilment, following Jesus “on the way” (Mk 10:52), the path of discipleship that leads to Jerusalem and the cross.

Points for Personal Reflection

Bartimaeus’ story reminds us that true sight requires faith, perseverance, and humility. In following Jesus, we too are invited to “see again”-to see the world and our lives through the eyes of faith, trusting that God’s promises of healing and gathering are always at work among us.

Jesus Told Him to Go, Not to Come: Over the past three Sundays, we’ve been journeying through Gospel readings that share a profound connection, each illuminating different aspects of discipleship and faith. Two Sundays ago, we met the rich young man who approached Jesus, asking, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" He was clear on his desire but lacked one essential thing, as Jesus revealed (Mk 10:21). Last week, the sons of Zebedee boldly requested places of honour beside Jesus in His kingdom, not fully understanding the weight of what they were asking. But today, we see a stark contrast: a blind beggar who knows exactly what he is seeking. Bartimaeus calls out with conviction, "Teacher, let me see again!" (Mk 10:51).

When Jesus responded to the sons of Zebedee, He asked, "What is it you want me to do for you?" (Mk 10:36). He asked Bartimaeus the same question, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Mk 10:51). Jesus taught the disciples the meaning of service and sacrifice. But here, with Bartimaeus, He says something new: "Go, your faith has made you well" (Mk 10:52). Unlike with the disciples, Jesus does not say, “Come.” Instead, He commissions Bartimaeus to go.

Asking Jesus for a Favor: Bartimaeus, though physically blind, recognizes Jesus as the "Son of David"-the Messiah-and joyfully follows Him toward Jerusalem. While the sons of Zebedee, spiritually blind to the true purpose of Christ’s mission, sought privilege, Bartimaeus simply longed to belong. He didn’t ask for power over others; he sought only to be integrated into the community, to join those following Jesus toward Jerusalem.

Faith Lessons from a Blind Beggar: Bartimaeus exemplifies a humble, persistent faith. He shows us the power of faith that can break through spiritual blindness. After his healing, he not only gains physical sight but also a profound spiritual vision, seeing Jesus face to face with new eyes.

Bartimaeus’s story teaches us that, often, we remain “blind beggars,” held captive by our own fears or limitations-bound to our “mat” or stuck in one place. But when Jesus passes by, we are invited to respond in faith. With heartfelt trust, we call out to Him, knowing that He is never deaf to our cries. Just as He stopped for Bartimaeus, Jesus will pause and ask each of us, "What do you want me to do for you?" And we, too, can echo Bartimaeus: "Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!" May this encounter with Jesus of Nazareth (Mk 10:47) lead us to walk in newfound joy.

Questions for Reflection:

Do I recognize the Lord’s presence in my own journey, guiding and providing for me?

How do I respond to God’s invitation to repentance and renewal in my life?

Like the returning exiles, am I willing to walk in the ways of the Lord, even when the journey is challenging?

Do I truly recognize Jesus as the Son of David, the Messiah who comes to save?

Does my faith echo the depth of Bartimaeus’s trust and surrender?

If Jesus were to ask me for one thing I desire, what would I ask of Him first?

Am I willing to cast aside my old “cloak”—the things that hold me back—to follow the Master with clear vision and renewed purpose?

In today’s readings, we see God’s steadfast love for His people, welcoming them back from exile and restoring them to His promises. Christ’s divine appointment, eternal priesthood, and limitless compassion invite us to draw near to Him with confidence, knowing that He intercedes for us as the perfect High Priest, forever consecrated by the Father to lead us into communion with God. Like Bartimaeus, we too are invited to approach Jesus with faith, trusting in His healing and redemption as we journey on the path of discipleship. Bartimaeus invites us to embrace a faith that transforms and a discipleship that follows Jesus with open eyes and open hearts. May our hearts be open to God’s restoring grace and His call to follow Him with renewed commitment.

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