Friends, today we are celebrating the thirtieth Sunday of ordinary time year b. The church invites us to place our faith and hope in Christ, our high priest. As our high priest and mediator, Christ opens our eyes to see the marvels that He has done for us. Today’s readings remind us of God’s love and mercy. They show us the importance of faith, compassion, and trust in God. Lord Jesus, help us to follow your example of giving all for the mission. Grant us the courage to encourage others in their faith and to leave behind anything that holds us back. Like Bartimaeus, may we have the faith to follow you and start anew.
Friends, the first reading of today is taken from this cheerful part of the book. After inviting Israel to praise the Lord, to sing to his name, and to hail him, the prophet imagines he can see the group of those returning. Among this crowd forming the remnant of Israel, he sees “the blind and the lame, women with children and women in labour.” What do you think of such a convoy? What are their chances of a successful journey? You cannot move fast with such people in your group. The only one who can help and save them is the Lord. Brothers and sisters, God is not like men who admire the strong and healthy, but disregard the weak and defenseless. He does not leave anybody behind. He is not like some school teachers who lose courage, and stop explaining things to the less gifted once the bright ones have understood. God takes an interest in the needs of all and pays particular attention to the poorest.
Friends, the reading is a radical articulation of hope, as the basis for liberation and survival. Exiled, the Israelites were weak and helpless. However, God promises to bring back His people from exile. This is a message of hope and comfort. God sees the suffering of His people and plans to restore them. Brothers and sisters, God’s restoration includes everyone, especially the weak and vulnerable. The blind, the lame, and those in distress are all welcomed back. This shows that God cares for everyone, no matter their condition. We can find hope in this promise of restoration. No matter what we face, God is there to bring us back and heal us. Remember that God’s mercy is always available to us.
Friends, our second reading reminds us of the role of the priest. Every true priest shares in the priesthood of Christ, the high priest. A priest mediates for the people and helps strengthen their faith. “Every high priest was chosen from among humans…so he can understand and sympathize with those who are ignorant and rejected.” Hence, during the anniversary of his episcopal consecration St. Augustine wrote; “I am fearful of what I am for you, but I draw strength from what I am with you. For you, I am a priest, and with you, I am a Christian…Help me by your prayers and obedience to carry out these many serious, and varied duties…” So, as a human being “who lives within the limitations of weakness,” the priest must pray for himself. Most importantly, his community must always pray for him.
Friends, as Christians, we all need God’s mercy, healing, and liberation from the limitations of life. So, we must constantly turn to Christ our High Priest for help. This priest understands human weakness and has compassion. Jesus is our High Priest who is merciful and loving. Jesus was chosen by God to be our High Priest. He offers himself as a sacrifice for our sins. This shows His great love for us and His desire to bring us closer to God. We are called to have the same compassion as Jesus.
Friends, in today’s gospel, we see the blind and poor Bartimaeus yearning for healing and liberation. He will not let this opportunity pass him by. So, like a drowning man, he cried out for help; “Jesus, Son of David have pity on me!” The blind Bartimaeus represents our collective human situation that is constantly yearning for healing and liberation from weakness, sickness, poverty, and sin. Our blindness might not necessarily be the physical loss of vision. However, it could be whatever limits and prevents us from reaching or maximizing our potential in life. Brothers and sisters, to be free from these limitations, first, we must humbly acknowledge that they exist. Second, it is interesting to note that, Bartimaeus did not believe because he was cured. Rather, he was cured because he believed, and humbly cried out for help. So, seeing his faith, Christ said to him; “Your faith has cured you.”
Friends, there is a simple saying; “If you are not tired of praying, God is not tired of listening to you.” The good news today is that Christ our high priest is always ready to hear, heal, and liberate us from whatever is limiting us in life. He wants us to see again. To see again is to have a living faith in Christ, our high priest who mediates for us before the Father. Brothers and sisters, like the blind Bartimaeus, we must humbly call out to him; “Jesus, Son of David have pity on me…Lord that I may see.” Like Bartimaeus, neither the crowd nor pride can stop us from reaching Christ. Bartimaeus’ story shows the power of faith.
Friends, Bartimaeus did not just gain his sight; he chose to follow Jesus. Bartimaeus has the faith and courage to leave his cloak and everything behind to follow Jesus. Jesus told Bartimaeus to go his way, but he chose to follow Jesus instead. This shows his complete trust and dedication. Bartimaeus teaches us to follow Jesus no matter the cost. The Lord be with you …. May the almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have a Blessed Sunday and a Fruitful New Week to You
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By: Fr. Ben Chola mccj
Aka Omuntu Wa Bantu
