"JESUS SON OF DAVID HAVE MERCY ON ME"
First Reading: Jeremiah 31: 7-9
Second Reading: Hebrews 5: 1-6
Gospel Reading: Mark 10: 46-52
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. In this passage Jeremiah gives a message of hope for the people of Israel and an assurance that the Lord God will lead them back to their promised land and restore eventually its lost glory.
* Second reading is from the letter of Hebrews. This passage tells us that in Jesus Christ we have a compassionate High Priest who is able to deal gently with the ignorant and the wayward. He is able to understand our weaknesses and failures. He offers up our gifts and sacrifices to God on our behalf.
"Bartimaeus gained his sight and followed Jesus"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. This passage has a vivid narration of the dramatic healing of Bartimaeus the blind beggar from Jericho. The narrative is like a one act play with seven scenes - rather seven verses. In the first verse, Jesus is leaving Jericho for His final journey to Jerusalem. In the second verse Bartimaeus hears that Jesus of Nazareth the divine healer is passing by the street. Realizing that this was a chance of a life time, he cried aloud, "Jesus son of David, have mercy on me". It is the cry of a desperate man for urgent help.
In the third verse, the people rebuke him and tell him to keep quiet. But Bartimaeus shouted aloud that Jesus may hear his plea. In our moments of despair, when we cry aloud to God, God invariably hears our cry. In the fourth verse, Jesus stops and calls for Bartimaeus. Jesus wants us too to stop and help those who are helpless and those sitting at the way side of life looking for help.
In the fifth verse, Bartimaeus responds to Jesus' call with enthusiasm. But in our case often we are lethargic to respond to the call of God. In the sixth verse Jesus asks a very key question to the blind man. "What do you want me to do for you?" And he responded by saying, "Lord let me see".
Finally in the seventh verse, Jesus healed him and commended his exemplary faith. Bartimeaus on his part followed Jesus.
This miracle story has some deep spiritual implications for us. It is a powerful example of how we should make use of our opportunities, grasp them and take hold of them until we receive what we need from God. As Bartimaeus had an irresistible desire to be healed we too need such determination in our lives.
This miracle should help us in the following ways:
a. To be persistent in our requests to God.
b. To have the faith for such requests.
c. A desire to express our gratitude when God answers our prayers.
Today Lord Jesus is stopping by and inviting us to Himself and He is ready to restore our lost sight and to heal us. May the good Lord bring light into our hearts.
First Reading: Jeremiah 31: 7-9
Second Reading: Hebrews 5: 1-6
Gospel Reading: Mark 10: 46-52
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. In this passage Jeremiah gives a message of hope for the people of Israel and an assurance that the Lord God will lead them back to their promised land and restore eventually its lost glory.
* Second reading is from the letter of Hebrews. This passage tells us that in Jesus Christ we have a compassionate High Priest who is able to deal gently with the ignorant and the wayward. He is able to understand our weaknesses and failures. He offers up our gifts and sacrifices to God on our behalf.
"Bartimaeus gained his sight and followed Jesus"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. This passage has a vivid narration of the dramatic healing of Bartimaeus the blind beggar from Jericho. The narrative is like a one act play with seven scenes - rather seven verses. In the first verse, Jesus is leaving Jericho for His final journey to Jerusalem. In the second verse Bartimaeus hears that Jesus of Nazareth the divine healer is passing by the street. Realizing that this was a chance of a life time, he cried aloud, "Jesus son of David, have mercy on me". It is the cry of a desperate man for urgent help.
In the third verse, the people rebuke him and tell him to keep quiet. But Bartimaeus shouted aloud that Jesus may hear his plea. In our moments of despair, when we cry aloud to God, God invariably hears our cry. In the fourth verse, Jesus stops and calls for Bartimaeus. Jesus wants us too to stop and help those who are helpless and those sitting at the way side of life looking for help.
In the fifth verse, Bartimaeus responds to Jesus' call with enthusiasm. But in our case often we are lethargic to respond to the call of God. In the sixth verse Jesus asks a very key question to the blind man. "What do you want me to do for you?" And he responded by saying, "Lord let me see".
Finally in the seventh verse, Jesus healed him and commended his exemplary faith. Bartimeaus on his part followed Jesus.
This miracle story has some deep spiritual implications for us. It is a powerful example of how we should make use of our opportunities, grasp them and take hold of them until we receive what we need from God. As Bartimaeus had an irresistible desire to be healed we too need such determination in our lives.
This miracle should help us in the following ways:
a. To be persistent in our requests to God.
b. To have the faith for such requests.
c. A desire to express our gratitude when God answers our prayers.
Today Lord Jesus is stopping by and inviting us to Himself and He is ready to restore our lost sight and to heal us. May the good Lord bring light into our hearts.
