Daily Readings - Sun Oct 28 2018
Jeremiah
7This is what the LORD says: "Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, 'O LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel.'8See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return.9They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.
Hebrews
1Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.2He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.3This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.4No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.5So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. "6And he says in another place, "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
Mark
46Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging.47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"48Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"49Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."50Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.51"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."52"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of faith. In the first reading from Jeremiah, we hear a message of consolation and restoration. The prophet speaks of a time when the people of Israel, scattered and suffering, will be gathered back to their homeland. This is not just a physical return but also a spiritual one, as God promises to lead them with mercy and compassion. The image of the blind and the lame returning with the assembly reminds us that no one is excluded from God’s saving plan. It is a powerful reminder of God’s fidelity and love for His people.
The second reading from Hebrews deepens our understanding of Christ’s role as our High Priest. The author explains that every high priest is chosen by God to intercede for the people and to offer sacrifices for sins. Christ, however, is not just any high priest. He is uniquely qualified because He understands human weakness and suffering, having shared in our flesh. His priesthood is not one of mere ritual but of self-giving love, as He offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. This reading helps us see Jesus in a new light—as the one who not only saves us but also empathizes with us in our struggles.
In the Gospel, Mark tells the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who cries out to Jesus for healing. Despite the crowds trying to silence him, Bartimaeus persists, trusting in Jesus’ mercy. When Jesus calls him, Bartimaeus responds with faith, throwing aside his beggar’s cloak and approaching Jesus. His request is simple: “Master, I want to see.” Jesus responds by saying, “Your faith has made you whole.” This story reminds us that faith is not just belief in God’s existence but trust in His goodness and power to transform our lives. Bartimaeus’ persistence and humility show us how to approach God with confidence and openness.
These readings together teach us about the nature of God’s love and our response to it. Jeremiah assures us that God is always working to restore and heal us, even in the midst of suffering. Hebrews reminds us that Jesus, our High Priest, understands our struggles and offers us His mercy. And Mark’s Gospel shows us that faith, even in the face of obstacles, can lead to profound transformation. Let us ask ourselves today: Where in our lives do we need healing? Where do we need to trust more deeply in God’s plan? May we, like Bartimaeus, cry out to Jesus with persistence and faith, knowing that He is always near to save us.