JESUS THE MERCIFUL LORD (Mission Sunday)
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. Jeremiah gives a message of hope for the people of Israel. He gives the assurance that the Lord God will lead them back to their promised land and eventually restore its lost glory.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Hebrews. In Jesus Christ we have a compassionate and merciful High Priest who is able to deal gently with the ignorant and the wayward. He is able to understand all our weaknesses and failures. He offers up our gifts and sacrifices to God on our behalf.
Jesus Heals Bartimaeus the blind beggar Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A vivid narration of the dramatic healing of Bartimaeus the blind beggar from Jericho is given. The narrative is like a one act play with seven scenes - rather seven verses. In the first verse, Jesus is leaving Jericho on 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 is a chance of a lifetime, he cries aloud,"Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me." It is the cry of a desperate man for urgent help. In the third verse, people of the town rebuke him and tell him to keep quiet. But Bartimaeus shouts 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 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 key question to the blind man: "What do you want me to do for you?" And he responds by saying, "Lord, let me see." Finally in the seventh verse, Jesus heals him and commends his exemplary faith. Bartimeaus on his part follows 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 story should help us in the following ways: 1. To be persistent in our requests to God. 2. To have the faith for such requests. 3. A desire to express our gratitude when God answers our prayers. Today Lord Jesus is stopping by and inviting us to Himself. He is ready to restore our lost sight and heal us. May the good and merciful Lord bring light into our hearts.
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