30th Sunday B

Welcome to ourWelcome to our
Bible StudyBible Study
3030thth
Sunday in the Ordinary Time BSunday in the Ordinary Time B
Prison Awareness SundayPrison Awareness Sunday
25 October 201525 October 2015
In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyIn preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy
In aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

11stst
reading: Jeremiahreading: Jeremiah
31:7-931:7-9 7 Thus says the LORD:7 Thus says the LORD: Shout with joyShout with joy forfor
Jacob,Jacob, exultexult at the head of the nations;at the head of the nations;
proclaimproclaim your praise and say: The LORD hasyour praise and say: The LORD has
delivered his people, the remnant of Israel. 8delivered his people, the remnant of Israel. 8
Behold, I will bring them back from the land ofBehold, I will bring them back from the land of
the north; I will gather them from the ends ofthe north; I will gather them from the ends of
the world, with the blind and the lame in theirthe world, with the blind and the lame in their
midst. The mothers and those with child; theymidst. The mothers and those with child; they
shall return as an immense throng. 9 Theyshall return as an immense throng. 9 They
departed in tears, but I will console them anddeparted in tears, but I will console them and
guide them; I will lead them to brooks of water,guide them; I will lead them to brooks of water,
on a level road, so that none shall stumble. Foron a level road, so that none shall stumble. For
I am a father to Israel, Ephraim is my first-born.I am a father to Israel, Ephraim is my first-born.
The focus is to rejoice.

11stst
reading: Jeremiahreading: Jeremiah
31:7-931:7-9
Exhortation to rejoiceExhortation to rejoice
 7 Thus says the LORD:7 Thus says the LORD: Shout with joyShout with joy for Jacob,for Jacob, exultexult atat
the head of the nations;the head of the nations; proclaimproclaim your praiseyour praise
The reasons:The reasons:
 and say: The LORD hasand say: The LORD has delivered his peopledelivered his people, the, the
remnant of Israel.remnant of Israel.
 8 Behold, I will8 Behold, I will bring them backbring them back from the land of thefrom the land of the
north; I willnorth; I will gather themgather them from the ends of the world, withfrom the ends of the world, with
the blind and the lame in their midst, The mothers andthe blind and the lame in their midst, The mothers and
those with child; theythose with child; they shall returnshall return as an immense throng.as an immense throng.
 9 They departed in tears, but I will9 They departed in tears, but I will consoleconsole them andthem and
guideguide them; I willthem; I will leadlead them to brooks of water, on athem to brooks of water, on a
level road, so that none shall stumble. For I am a fatherlevel road, so that none shall stumble. For I am a father
to Israel, Ephraim is my first-born.to Israel, Ephraim is my first-born.
A simple outline!

Textual Context of Jer 31:7-9Textual Context of Jer 31:7-9
General Outline of Jeremiah (Boadt)General Outline of Jeremiah (Boadt)
 Part IPart I Chapters 1-25 Type A and CChapters 1-25 Type A and C
 Part IIPart II Chapters 26-36 Type BChapters 26-36 Type B
 Part IIIPart III Chapters 37-45 Type BChapters 37-45 Type B
 Part IVPart IV Chapters 46-51 Type AChapters 46-51 Type A
 Part VPart V Chapter 52 Type CChapter 52 Type C
Part IIPart II contains stories about the prophets and oracles from the times ofcontains stories about the prophets and oracles from the times of
Jehoiakim and Zedekiah.Jehoiakim and Zedekiah.
 Type A = original oracles of JeremiahType A = original oracles of Jeremiah
 Type B = biographical accounts about Jeremiah's works and personalType B = biographical accounts about Jeremiah's works and personal
sufferings, by his scribe Baruchsufferings, by his scribe Baruch
 Type C = materials handed down and edited by school of Dt.Type C = materials handed down and edited by school of Dt.

Jeremiah,
during the time of
Kings Jehoiakim and
Zedekiah in
Jerusalem
Historical Background

11stst
reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9
Exhortation to rejoice
 7a Thus says the LORD:
Shout with joy for Jacob,
7b exult at the head of
the nations; 7c proclaim
your praise
The reasons:
 and say: The LORD has
delivered his people, the
remnant of Israel.
 8 Behold, I will bring
them back from the land
of the north; I will gather
them from the ends of
the world, with the blind
and the lame in their
midst, The mothers and
those with child; they
shall return as an
immense throng.
 9a They departed in
tears, 9b but I will
console them and guide
them; I will lead them to
brooks of water, on a
level road, so that none
shall stumble. 9c For I
am a father to Israel,
Ephraim is my first-born.
CommentaryCommentary
 V.7 exhorts the peopleV.7 exhorts the people (who are exiled to Babylon)(who are exiled to Babylon) toto
rejoicerejoice, in a parallel form, in a parallel form (shout with joy // exult // proclaim your(shout with joy // exult // proclaim your
praise)praise)
 V.7 states the reasons for rejoicingV.7 states the reasons for rejoicing
 Has delivered (saved his people)Has delivered (saved his people)
 The Remnants of Israel = survivors, those who can goThe Remnants of Israel = survivors, those who can go
back to Judah.back to Judah.
 V.8 talks of the promiseV.8 talks of the promise
 I will bring them back (restore them to their land)I will bring them back (restore them to their land)
 I will gather (restore them to their community)I will gather (restore them to their community)
 They shall return (restore them to their loved ones).They shall return (restore them to their loved ones).
 V.9a recalls the tragedy, the Babylonian Exile.V.9a recalls the tragedy, the Babylonian Exile.
 They were exiled as punishment for their sins (idolatry,They were exiled as punishment for their sins (idolatry,
no trust in God).no trust in God).
 V.9b continues the promiseV.9b continues the promise
 I will console (show tenderness) and guide them (giveI will console (show tenderness) and guide them (give
direction)direction)
 I will lead (satisfy their thirst, make their journey safe)I will lead (satisfy their thirst, make their journey safe)
 V.9c introduces who is talking, God: the father of Israel.V.9c introduces who is talking, God: the father of Israel.
 Israel is the same as Ephraim (Both refer to the north).Israel is the same as Ephraim (Both refer to the north).

Further commentaryFurther commentary
 Jeremiah prophesied before and during the BabylonianJeremiah prophesied before and during the Babylonian
Exile.Exile.
 The Babylonian Exile had a devastating effect on theThe Babylonian Exile had a devastating effect on the
prophet himself and on other pious Israelites who lovedprophet himself and on other pious Israelites who loved
the city of Jerusalem.the city of Jerusalem.
 It was a tragedy:It was a tragedy:
 disruptiondisruption of the Temple worshipof the Temple worship
 disruptiondisruption of the economic, political and social activityof the economic, political and social activity
 humiliationhumiliation of the Israelites who were proud of their God whoof the Israelites who were proud of their God who
“protects”“protects”
 It was a time for soul searching.It was a time for soul searching.
 The text addresses people looking for explanation andThe text addresses people looking for explanation and
salvation. God, through the prophet, gives hope andsalvation. God, through the prophet, gives hope and
consolation.consolation.
 God still loves the people of Israel. He will bring them backGod still loves the people of Israel. He will bring them back
to their land.to their land.

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst
readingreading
 Putting our trust into the wrong people, not in God, invitesPutting our trust into the wrong people, not in God, invites
disaster.disaster.
 God allows tragedies to happen to us.God allows tragedies to happen to us.
 The prophet would interpret this as a punishment for ourThe prophet would interpret this as a punishment for our
sinssins (wrongdoings, abuses, injustices, wrong priorities, indocility and(wrongdoings, abuses, injustices, wrong priorities, indocility and
hardheadedness).hardheadedness).
 In the midst of disaster and punishment, the text invites usIn the midst of disaster and punishment, the text invites us
to trust in God’s consoling words and promises.to trust in God’s consoling words and promises.
 He will soon restore us, repentant sinners, for he is aHe will soon restore us, repentant sinners, for he is a
loving Father.loving Father.

Resp. Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6Resp. Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
 R. (3) The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.R. (3) The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
 1 When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,1 When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.we were like men dreaming.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.and our tongue with rejoicing.
 2 Then they said among the nations,2 Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them.""The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us;3 The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.we are glad indeed.
 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.like the torrents in the southern desert.
5 Those that sow in tears5 Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.shall reap rejoicing.
 6 Although they go forth weeping,6 Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.carrying their sheaves.

Resp. Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6Resp. Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
 R. (3) The Lord has done R. (3) The Lord has done
great things for us; we are great things for us; we are
filled with joy.filled with joy.
 1 When the LORD brought 1 When the LORD brought
back the captives of Zion,back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.we were like men dreaming.
2 Then our mouth was filled 2 Then our mouth was filled
with laughter,with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.and our tongue with rejoicing.
 2 Then they said among the 2 Then they said among the
nations,nations,
"The LORD has done great "The LORD has done great
things for them."things for them."
3 The LORD has done great 3 The LORD has done great
things for us;things for us;
we are glad indeed.we are glad indeed.
 4 Restore our fortunes, O 4 Restore our fortunes, O
LORD, like the torrents in the LORD, like the torrents in the
southern desert.southern desert.
5 Those that sow in tears5 Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.shall reap rejoicing.
 6 Although they go forth 6 Although they go forth
weeping, carrying the seed to weeping, carrying the seed to
be sown,be sown,
They shall come back They shall come back
rejoicing,rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.carrying their sheaves.
Commentary
 The psalm reflects well the disposition of an
exiled people, who have been restored in
Jerusalem.
 V.1 expresses the joy of having been
restored.
 It is like a dream. Unbelievable!
 God has done wonderful things!
 V.2 expresses, in parallel form, their joy of
being liberated from Babylon.
 In v.2b, the liberated captives articulate what
God has done for them.
 It is a source of rejoicing. V.3
 V.4 is a prayer to return to normal life.
 Vv.5-6 describe using an agricultural
imagery, on how the situation of the people
has improved, after all the troubles.

Reflections on theReflections on the
PsalmPsalm
 We must be thankful to God.We must be thankful to God.
 He does wonderful things for us.He does wonderful things for us.
 He answers our prayers.He answers our prayers.
 God restores us after undergoing crisis.God restores us after undergoing crisis.
 God has mercy upon us.God has mercy upon us.
 Do you believe that God is good?Do you believe that God is good?

22ndnd
reading: Hebrewsreading: Hebrews
5:1-65:1-6
 1 Every high priest is taken from among men and made1 Every high priest is taken from among men and made
their representative before God, to offer gifts andtheir representative before God, to offer gifts and
sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal patiently with thesacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal patiently with the
ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness 3ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness 3
and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himselfand so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself
as well as for the people. 4 No one takes this honor uponas well as for the people. 4 No one takes this honor upon
himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5
In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself inIn the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in
becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him:becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him:
"You are my son; this day I have begotten you"; 6 just as"You are my son; this day I have begotten you"; 6 just as
he says in another place: "You are a priest foreverhe says in another place: "You are a priest forever
according to the order of Melchizedek."according to the order of Melchizedek."

22ndnd
5:1-65:1-6 1 Every1 Every high priesthigh priest is taken from among men and madeis taken from among men and made
himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5
In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself inIn the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in
becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him:becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him:
"You are my son; this day I have begotten you"; 6 just as"You are my son; this day I have begotten you"; 6 just as
he says in another place: "You are a priest foreverhe says in another place: "You are a priest forever
The focus is on the high priesthood (of Christ).

22ndnd
5:1-65:1-6The OT High PriestThe OT High Priest
 1 Every1 Every high priesthigh priest is taken from among men and madeis taken from among men and made
himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
The High Priesthood of ChristThe High Priesthood of Christ
 5 In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself5 In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself
in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said toin becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to
him: "You are my son; this day I have begotten you"; 6 justhim: "You are my son; this day I have begotten you"; 6 just
as he says in another place: "You are a priest foreveras he says in another place: "You are a priest forever
A simple outline!

I. 1:5--2:18 The name superior to the angels (Eschatology)
II. 3:1--5:10 Jesus faithful and compassionate (Ecclesiology)
III. 5: 11--10:39 The central exposition (Sacrifice)
IV. 11:1--12: 13 Faith and endurance (Ecclesiological paraenesis)
V. 12: 14--13:19 The peaceful fruit of justice (Eschatology).
Textual Context of Hebrews 5:1-6Textual Context of Hebrews 5:1-6
(Vanhoye)(Vanhoye)
Part II
3,1-6 Jesus, Superior to Moses
3,7-19 Israel’s Infidelity a Warning
4,1-13 The Sabbath Rest
4,14-16 and 5,1-10 Jesus, the Compassionate High Priest

22ndnd
5:1-65:1-6The OT High PriestThe OT High Priest
 1 Every1 Every high priesthigh priest is taken fromis taken from
among men and made theiramong men and made their
representative before God, to offerrepresentative before God, to offer
gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He isgifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is
able to deal patiently with the ignorantable to deal patiently with the ignorant
and erring, for he himself is beset byand erring, for he himself is beset by
weakness 3 and so, for this reason,weakness 3 and so, for this reason,
must make sin offerings for himself asmust make sin offerings for himself as
well as for the people. 4 No one takeswell as for the people. 4 No one takes
this honor upon himself but only whenthis honor upon himself but only when
called by God, just as Aaron was.called by God, just as Aaron was.
The High Priesthood of ChristThe High Priesthood of Christ
 5 In the same way, it was not Christ5 In the same way, it was not Christ
who glorified himself in becomingwho glorified himself in becoming
high priest, but rather the one whohigh priest, but rather the one who
said to him: "You are my son; this daysaid to him: "You are my son; this day
I have begotten you"; 6 just as heI have begotten you"; 6 just as he
says in another place: "You are asays in another place: "You are a
priest forever according to the orderpriest forever according to the order
of Melchizedek."of Melchizedek."
 Vv.1-4Vv.1-4 talk about the high priesthoodtalk about the high priesthood
of the Jewish religion.of the Jewish religion.
 Taken from menTaken from men
 Representative before GodRepresentative before God
 Purpose:Purpose:
 To offer gifts and sacrifices for sinsTo offer gifts and sacrifices for sins
 Deals patiently with the ignorant andDeals patiently with the ignorant and
the erringthe erring
 Makes sin offerings for himself andMakes sin offerings for himself and
for the peoplefor the people
 God gives him honor (v.4)God gives him honor (v.4)
 Vv.5-6Vv.5-6 talk about the high priesthoodtalk about the high priesthood
of Christ.of Christ.
 Functions like the OT high priest.Functions like the OT high priest.
 God himself who once said “You areGod himself who once said “You are
my son, you are a priest for ever,”my son, you are a priest for ever,”
ordained him.ordained him.

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd
readingreading
 They share in the ministerial priesthood of Christ.They share in the ministerial priesthood of Christ.
 They are called to serve, to offer gifts and sacrifices, toThey are called to serve, to offer gifts and sacrifices, to
chastise and to teach people in the ways of God.chastise and to teach people in the ways of God.
 We cannot prosper in our spiritual life without them.We cannot prosper in our spiritual life without them.
 God put them there in spite of their weaknesses.God put them there in spite of their weaknesses.

Gospel: Mark 10:46-52Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
 46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a
sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son ofsizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of
Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. 47 On hearing that itTimaeus, sat by the roadside begging. 47 On hearing that it
was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say,was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say,
"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me." 48 And many"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me." 48 And many
rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling outrebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out
all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." 49 Jesusall the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." 49 Jesus
stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man,stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man,
saying to him, "Take courage; get up, he is calling you." 50saying to him, "Take courage; get up, he is calling you." 50
He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51
Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do forJesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for
you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see."you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see."
52 Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."52 Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."
Immediately he received his sight and followed him on theImmediately he received his sight and followed him on the
way.way.

 46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a
sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son ofsizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of
Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. 47 On hearing that itTimaeus, sat by the roadside begging. 47 On hearing that it
was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say,was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say,
"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me." 48 And many"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me." 48 And many
rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling outrebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out
all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." 49 Jesusall the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." 49 Jesus
stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man,stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man,
saying to him, "Take courage; get up, he is calling you." 50saying to him, "Take courage; get up, he is calling you." 50
He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51
Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do forJesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for
you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see."you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see."
52 Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."52 Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."
Immediately he received his sight and followed him on theImmediately he received his sight and followed him on the
way.way.
The focus is on the healing of the Blind Man.

SettingSetting
 46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a
blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging.blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging.
The Blind ManThe Blind Man
 47 On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of47 On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of
David, have pity on me."David, have pity on me."
The crowdThe crowd
 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.
 But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me."But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me."
JesusJesus
 49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."
The disciplesThe disciples
 So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up, he is calling you."So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up, he is calling you."
 50 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.50 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
Jesus and the Blind ManJesus and the Blind Man
 51 Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied51 Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied
to him, "Master, I want to see." 52 Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has savedto him, "Master, I want to see." 52 Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved
you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
The Flow
Just take note of those in yellow color.

Textual Context of Mark 10:46-52
Part IPart I The Mystery of the Messiah: Revelation of Jesus' Person (1,14--8,30)The Mystery of the Messiah: Revelation of Jesus' Person (1,14--8,30)
Three sections, each beginning with a summary of the activity of Jesus and aThree sections, each beginning with a summary of the activity of Jesus and a
narrative concerning the disciples and concluding with the adoption of annarrative concerning the disciples and concluding with the adoption of an
attitude in regard to Jesus.attitude in regard to Jesus.
A. Jesus and the Crowds 1,14--3,6 (1,14f, 16-20; 3,60)A. Jesus and the Crowds 1,14--3,6 (1,14f, 16-20; 3,60)
B. Jesus and his Own 3,7--6,6a (3,7-12.13-19; 6,1-6a)B. Jesus and his Own 3,7--6,6a (3,7-12.13-19; 6,1-6a)
C. Jesus, the Disciples and the Gentiles 6,6b- 8,30 (6,6b; 6,7-31; 8,27-30)C. Jesus, the Disciples and the Gentiles 6,6b- 8,30 (6,6b; 6,7-31; 8,27-30)
Conclusion and Transition 8,27-33Conclusion and Transition 8,27-33
Confession of PeterConfession of Peter
First Prophecy of the PassionFirst Prophecy of the Passion
Correction of PeterCorrection of Peter
Part IIPart II The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-16,8The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-16,8
A. The Way of the Son of Man 8,31--10,52A. The Way of the Son of Man 8,31--10,52
Indicated by 3 announcements of the fate of the Son of Man and 3 instructionsIndicated by 3 announcements of the fate of the Son of Man and 3 instructions
on the lot of the disciples.on the lot of the disciples.
B. Jesus in Jerusalem 11,1--13,37B. Jesus in Jerusalem 11,1--13,37
C. Passion and Resurrection 14,1--16,8C. Passion and Resurrection 14,1--16,8
The Later Ending 16,9-20The Later Ending 16,9-20

Jesus is now on a journey
from Capernaum to
Jerusalem (10,17)
The Rich Man
Third Prediction (going of up
Jerusalem)
Ambition of James and John
The Blind Man Bartimaeus
(in Jericho)
Entry into Jerusalem (11,1)
Jesus curses the Fig Tree
Cleansing of the Temple
Used with permission from PBS/UBS

SettingSetting
 46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples
and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, theand a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the
son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging.son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging.
 47 On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he47 On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he
began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of David,began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of David,
have pity on me."have pity on me."
The crowdThe crowd
 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.
 But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David,But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David,
have pity on me."have pity on me."
JesusJesus
 49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."
The disciplesThe disciples
 So they called the blind man, saying to him, "TakeSo they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take
courage; get up, he is calling you."courage; get up, he is calling you."
 50 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came50 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came
to Jesus.to Jesus.
Jesus and the Blind ManJesus and the Blind Man
 51 Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want51 Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want
me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him,me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him,
"Master, I want to see." 52 Jesus told him, "Go"Master, I want to see." 52 Jesus told him, "Go
your way; your faith has saved you." Immediatelyyour way; your faith has saved you." Immediately
he received his sight and followed him on the way.he received his sight and followed him on the way.
 The title of the gospel passage isThe title of the gospel passage is
“The Healing of Bartimaeus”“The Healing of Bartimaeus” or “or “TheThe
Healing of the Blind ManHealing of the Blind Man.”.”
We should observe what all theWe should observe what all the
characters do.characters do.
 BartimaeusBartimaeus, begs, cries out; when, begs, cries out; when
rebuked, he cries out all the more torebuked, he cries out all the more to
Jesus; throws his cloak, springs upJesus; throws his cloak, springs up
when called; talks personally towhen called; talks personally to
Jesus; receives sight and followsJesus; receives sight and follows
Jesus; has faith in Jesus.Jesus; has faith in Jesus.
 TheThe crowdcrowd (many) rebuke him(many) rebuke him
(silence him), perhaps they feel(silence him), perhaps they feel
embarrassed by the noise of thisembarrassed by the noise of this
hopeless man.hopeless man.
 JesusJesus “stops.” He pays attention to“stops.” He pays attention to
Bartimaeus. He does not ignore him.Bartimaeus. He does not ignore him.
He commands his disciples to bringHe commands his disciples to bring
Bartimaeus to him; talks to B andBartimaeus to him; talks to B and
heals him.heals him.
 TheThe disciplesdisciples obey Jesus; they seemobey Jesus; they seem
to sympathize with Bartimaeus.to sympathize with Bartimaeus.

Reflections on the gospelReflections on the gospel
readingreading
 Jesus is the protagonist of the story. We must payJesus is the protagonist of the story. We must pay
attention to him. He heals.attention to him. He heals.
 Next important character to observe is, of course,Next important character to observe is, of course,
Bartimaeus. He is healed because of hisBartimaeus. He is healed because of his faithfaith..
 FaithFaith is the way to be healed.is the way to be healed.
 God works miracles to those who haveGod works miracles to those who have faithfaith..
 Jesus is willing to be distracted by people who would likeJesus is willing to be distracted by people who would like
to make “singit” in his journey.to make “singit” in his journey.
 Jesus does not “postpone” his response, even if it is notJesus does not “postpone” his response, even if it is not
in his immediate agenda / itinerary / plan.in his immediate agenda / itinerary / plan.
 God will do the same to us if we haveGod will do the same to us if we have faithfaith in him.in him.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm
 TheThe first readingfirst reading exhorts the people toexhorts the people to rejoicerejoice for Godfor God
is bringing the Exiles back to their land.is bringing the Exiles back to their land.
 TheThe second readingsecond reading talks about thetalks about the high priesthoodhigh priesthood ofof
Christ. It comes from God.Christ. It comes from God.
 TheThe gospel readinggospel reading talks about thetalks about the healing of the blindhealing of the blind
man.man.
 TheThe psalmpsalm is the expression of having experiencedis the expression of having experienced
God’s liberating / restorative love andGod’s liberating / restorative love and healinghealing..

 At one glance, we can see right away that the themes
of the three readings are far apart from each other. It is
OK, however, to adopt the gospel theme (anyway it is
our priority) which is healing. The themes of the other
readings can be connected this way:
 In the first reading, healing is expressed in restoring
the Exiles back to the Promised Land.
 In the second reading, healing is brought about by
Jesus Christ, the high priest, who understands our
weaknesses. Jesus as high priest, heals us by
sacrificing and forgiving our sins.

How to develop your homily and sharingHow to develop your homily and sharing
 Begin by telling a story of a healed person.Begin by telling a story of a healed person. (a(a
testimony of a member of charismatic group, healed by atestimony of a member of charismatic group, healed by a
preacher; healed by a doctor, etc.)preacher; healed by a doctor, etc.)
 Explain why he/she is healed:Explain why he/she is healed: because of his/herbecause of his/her
faith in the preacher or healer or doctor or God.faith in the preacher or healer or doctor or God.
 How did he/she show faith?How did he/she show faith? (By joining the prayer(By joining the prayer
meeting, by going to the doctor and doing what ismeeting, by going to the doctor and doing what is
prescribed).prescribed).
 Now, develop the theme ofNow, develop the theme of healinghealing.. It is possibleIt is possible
only through faith.only through faith.

 TheThe first readingfirst reading tells of the story of the Israelite,tells of the story of the Israelite,
people who are blinded by their “intelligence.”people who are blinded by their “intelligence.”
 They trust in themselves and in other people, butThey trust in themselves and in other people, but
not in Him. So they are punished (Exiled innot in Him. So they are punished (Exiled in
Babylon).Babylon).
 But at the end, God promises restoration of theirBut at the end, God promises restoration of their
former privileges.former privileges.
 Punishment is not the last word, but God’s mercyPunishment is not the last word, but God’s mercy
and love.and love.
 This is the main point of the reading.This is the main point of the reading.
 The attentive reader will also look forward toThe attentive reader will also look forward to
God’s saving grace (God’s saving grace (healinghealing), when he/she thinks), when he/she thinks
he is being punished and in trouble.he is being punished and in trouble.

 TheThe second readingsecond reading affirms what Jesus Christaffirms what Jesus Christ
can do to us as a high priest. He offers truecan do to us as a high priest. He offers true
sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins, for oursacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins, for our
healinghealing..
 Nowadays, we need healing of our blindness.Nowadays, we need healing of our blindness.
 We cannot see God working in our midst, in ourWe cannot see God working in our midst, in our
parents, brothers and sisters, in our neighbors, etc.parents, brothers and sisters, in our neighbors, etc.
 We cannot show appreciation to the beautiful thingsWe cannot show appreciation to the beautiful things
around us. We refuse to acknowledge the goodness ofaround us. We refuse to acknowledge the goodness of
others.others.
 We are blinded by our prejudices. We do not see theWe are blinded by our prejudices. We do not see the
needs of our children because we are preoccupiedneeds of our children because we are preoccupied
with our careers / works. Many of us don’t see anywith our careers / works. Many of us don’t see any
hope in our world today.hope in our world today.

 TheThe gospel readinggospel reading presents the journey of thepresents the journey of the
blind man with Jesus, from being blind to beingblind man with Jesus, from being blind to being
able to see, because of hisable to see, because of his faithfaith..
 At the start of the story, the man appears blind;At the start of the story, the man appears blind;
at the end, he receives his sight.at the end, he receives his sight.
 As a result, he follows Jesus.As a result, he follows Jesus.
 Blindness, spiritual or physical, can hinder usBlindness, spiritual or physical, can hinder us
from following Christ.from following Christ.
 HealingHealing of our blindness can lead us to followof our blindness can lead us to follow
him.him.

 We need to be like Bartimaeus who “prays” toWe need to be like Bartimaeus who “prays” to
Jesus when he senses he is passing by.Jesus when he senses he is passing by.
 He shouts all the more, even when he isHe shouts all the more, even when he is
reprimanded.reprimanded.
 He listens to the cues and grabs the opportunityHe listens to the cues and grabs the opportunity
right away.right away.
 We can also throw our cloaks, spring up andWe can also throw our cloaks, spring up and
approach Jesus to be restored to bodily andapproach Jesus to be restored to bodily and
spiritual well-being.spiritual well-being.

 In theIn the eucharisteucharist, Jesus comes again. He is not, Jesus comes again. He is not
just passing by, but staying with us in thejust passing by, but staying with us in the
celebration.celebration.
 In theIn the eucharisteucharist, Jesus comes to heal us. He is, Jesus comes to heal us. He is
the celebrant who offers himself to the Father,the celebrant who offers himself to the Father,
for the forgiveness of our sins, for our healing,for the forgiveness of our sins, for our healing,
so that we may be restored again to ourso that we may be restored again to our
original dignity and freedom.original dignity and freedom.
 In theIn the eucharisteucharist, we show our faith in the, we show our faith in the
restorative power of God.restorative power of God.

Our Context of Sin andOur Context of Sin and
GraceGrace
 ImprisonedImprisoned
 Exiled, banished,Exiled, banished,
ostracizedostracized
 DeportedDeported
 DesperateDesperate
 HopelessnessHopelessness
 Spiritually blindSpiritually blind
 Unable to see God inUnable to see God in
one’s lifeone’s life
 Rejoicing in hopeRejoicing in hope
 ParoledParoled
 Restorative JusticeRestorative Justice
(Caritas Manila)(Caritas Manila)
 HealingsHealings
 Unintimidated FaithUnintimidated Faith
 Consoling wordsConsoling words
 Encouraging wordsEncouraging words

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs
 Maghandog ng Alay, for offertoryMaghandog ng Alay, for offertory
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRWqJuXVAP0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRWqJuXVAP0
 Amazing Grace, for communionAmazing Grace, for communion
 Lord I Know, for communionLord I Know, for communion
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulqjOjYZOnshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulqjOjYZOns
 I Love You All, for communionI Love You All, for communion
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxaP-9mLXCEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxaP-9mLXCE
 Kahit Isang Kusing, after communion (for ManilaKahit Isang Kusing, after communion (for Manila
Archdiocese), slide to 1,22Archdiocese), slide to 1,22
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKPih205uVQhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKPih205uVQ (with Noel(with Noel
Cabangon)Cabangon)
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrfa-DSUkIshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrfa-DSUkIs (with Cardinal(with Cardinal
Rosales)Rosales)

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