feasting on the word
"If you meditate on the Scriptures it will appear to you in its brilliant splendor." ―St. Pio of Pietrelcina
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) Jeremiah 31:7-9 | Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 | Hebrews 5:1-6 | Mark 10:46-52 The readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time indeed carry a message of hope and healing. They remind us that even in the darkest moments of life, we can turn to Christ, our High Priest, for comfort and strength. The call to not remain "blind" speaks to the transformative power of faith, urging us to embrace the light and move beyond our fears, trusting fully in God’s providence. Through Him, we find the courage to see beyond our struggles and to bring hope to others. Do you know what each color of the rainbow signifies? This is what I taught my daughter, Jill, when she was preparing for her First Holy Communion six years ago, back when I had perfect vision. Red symbolizes the blood that Jesus shed for us. Orange signifies the transition from darkness to life through Jesus. Yellow represents God’s perfect light, shining like the bright sun. Green is a reminder of God’s creation of the earth and trees, representing the new life we have in Jesus, much like the grass during the rainy season. Blue reflects the color of water, reminding us of God’s creation of the oceans and seas, as well as the baptism that unites us with Jesus. Black stands for our sins and represents God’s darkest day. Purple symbolizes Jesus’ suffering, which ultimately leads us to the crown of life. Pink represents the promise of new beginnings. White signifies God’s purity and the cleansing of our sins through His grace. Rainbows appear after powerful storms, shining through the darkest skies. Just when everything seems bleak, a rainbow emerges from heaven. The message of the rainbow resonates with both you and me. It serves as a sign of God’s promise that He will guide us through any storm. When you feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges and filled with doubt, remember that God’s rainbow is coming, and He will be there for you. As the song by South Border reminds us, "There’s a rainbow always after the rain."
The people of Israel neglected God and His desires, focusing solely on their own pleasures without considering Him. They turned away from their covenant with God, setting up false gods and establishing a government that oppressed the poor and marginalized. Despite God sending them numerous warnings, they ignored Him. In response, God chose to judge His people by removing them from the “promised land.” However, this exile was never meant to be the end of their story. God’s love prompted this captivity to capture their attention and elicit a faithful response. As Israel faced deep discouragement and fear, God assured them that He would replant them in their land after uprooting them as a form of judgment. The first reading today from the prophet Jeremiah captures the emotional moment of their return from exile. Jeremiah joyfully proclaims that the loving God is bringing everyone back—the blind, lame, and little ones included. Importantly, this signifies that no one is excluded from God’s holy family, regardless of physical disabilities or deformities. After 70 long years, the Lord will free His people from Babylonian bondage and restore their dignity in the new city of Jerusalem. All those who have suffered will return to the Lord’s holy city and once again become a light to all nations. Who is Jesus for you? Jesus engaged with the seminarians at St. Vincent School of Theology, posing the question, "Who do you say that I am?" They replied, "You are the eschatological manifestation of the Ground of our Being. You are the Mysterium Trimendum et Fascinans and the Logos made flesh—the ever-present and the transcendent." Jesus responded, "That's quite a mouthful! Simply put, I am the high priest prepared to serve you and demonstrate God’s mercy. I’m here to love you and to help you love one another. So, who’s up for a miracle? Or maybe a lesson in fishing?" If we’re being honest, many of you might think, "Couldn’t we focus on something more practical? I’m struggling in my marriage, facing financial issues, or trying to raise children in this challenging world!" I understand the difficulties you’re dealing with right now, but there’s a reason why the homily in church doesn't center on relationships, finances, or parenting. It begins with knowing God, and today’s reading addresses that directly. In our second reading, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews encourages struggling Christian converts to reflect on Jesus. He defines Jesus' identity as the heavenly high priest appointed by God, who ministers to His people and shows compassion to the weak. This is a crucial spiritual truth: growing in the Catholic Christian life involves a clearer understanding of who God is and who you are, which leads you to the cross of Christ in desperation. The purpose of the priesthood is to prepare us to understand Jesus' ministry. Amid all the challenges we face in our relationships, finances, and parenting, we all need a High Priest, and that High Priest is Jesus Christ. Let’s recognize and appreciate God’s immense provision for us through Jesus and confidently turn to His cross in our time of need! In 1986, best-selling author Max Lucado, in his book, "God Came Near", shares the incredible experience of a blind man who gained sight for the first time: "For 51 years Bob Edens was blind. He couldn't see a thing. His world was a black hall of sounds and smells. He felt his way through five decades of darkness. And then, he could see. A skilled surgeon performed a complicated operation and, for the first time, Bob Edens had sight. He found it overwhelming. 'I never would have dreamed that yellow is so...yellow,' he exclaimed. 'I don't have the words. I am amazed by yellow. But red is my favorite color. I just can't believe red. I can see the shape of the moon--and I like nothing better than seeing a jet plane flying across the sky leaving a vapor trail. And of course, sunrises and sunsets. And at night I look at the stars in the sky and the flashing light. You could never know how wonderful everything is.'" In our Gospel, Jesus brings healing and restoration to Bartimaeus, a blind man, revealing himself as the Son of Man. Reduced to begging by the roadside in Jericho, Bartimaeus hears that the healer Jesus is passing by, and he begins to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me." Despite the crowd's attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus persists, calling out even louder. Jesus hears him and invites him to come closer, asking, "What do you want me to do for you?" Bartimaeus responds, "Master, I want to see." Once in darkness—both physically and spiritually—he is now exposed to the light. Instead of being overwhelmed by the brightness, he sees the path and walks in it. At times, we can find ourselves in Bartimaeus's position. We long to see, to find clarity. Life's challenges and the darkness around us can obscure our view of Christ's light. We often become trapped in cycles of fear and anxiety, accepting the status quo. The world offers distractions that can leave us feeling restless and unfulfilled, always seeking something to bring happiness. Often, our desires for God's peace and love are fleeting moments, easily discouraged by the crowd urging us to accept our blindness. "Jesus can't help you," they say, pushing us to remain complacent. Yet Jesus is passing by, asking each of us what we want him to do for us. Bartimaeus's courageous actions—claiming his dignity and addressing his needs to Jesus—are rewarded. Like him, we must be desperate. Let us ignore the crowd, shed our cloaks of comfort, and eagerly rise to meet Jesus, allowing him to wrap us in divine love. As I reflect on my own journey, it has been three years since I lost my sight. I refuse to accept the status quo or believe the world when it says Jesus cannot help me. I hold onto the faith that my vision will be restored, just as it was for Bartimaeus. I ask you to pray for me, pray with me, and pray over me. Join me in calling out to Jesus: "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me and restore my vision." I want to see you Lord. <enrique,ofs>
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About JeffJeff Jacinto, PhD, DHum Archives
October 2024
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