*** 1st Reading ***   

Jeremiah 31:7-9

 For Yahweh says this:

Shout with joy for Jacob; rejoice for the greatest of nations. Proclaim your praise and say: “Yahweh has saved his people, the remnant of Israel!”

 Look, I will bring them back from the land of the north, gather them from the ends of the earth, the lame and the blind, mothers and women in labor – a great throng will return.  They went away weeping, they will return in joy.

 

Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6(3)

The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

 

*** 2nd Reading ***

Hebrews 5:1-6

 Every High Priest is taken from among mortals and appointed to be their representative before God to offer gifts and sacrifices for sin. He is able to understand the ignorant and erring for he himself is subject to weakness.

This is why he is bound to offer sacrifices for his sins as well as for the sins of the people. Besides, one does not presume to take this dignity, but takes it only when called by God, as Aaron was.

 Nor did Christ become High Priest in taking upon himself this dignity, but it was given to him by the One who says: You are my son, I have begotten you today. And in another place: You are a priest forever in the priestly order of Melchizedek.

 

**** Gospel ****  

Mark 10:46-52

They came to Jericho. As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth passing by, he began to call out, “Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on me!”

Many people scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man saying, “Take heart. Get up, he is calling you.” He immediately threw aside his cloak, jumped up and went to Jesus.

 Then Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said, “Master, let me see again!” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way, your faith has made you well.” And immediately he could see, and he followed ­Jesus along the road.

 

 Gospel Reflection

Read:

The beggar Bartimaeus begs Jesus’ mercy in a loud voice upon knowing that Jesus is passing by. Despite the irritation of the crowd, Jesus calls him and asks what he wants. Without hesitation he asked for the gift of sight. Jesus responds positively to his request and when he can see, he begins to follow Jesus.

Reflect:

Some opportunities come only once. We getter grab it immediately or it will vanish forever. This thought must have passed the mind of the blind man Barttimaeus when Jesus passed by.

He has only one chance of healing and he took the chance without thought for social decorum or sense of shame. He called to Jesus loudly. This sufficiently caught the attention of Jesus.

He asked that Bartimaeus be brought to Him so He can personally ask what is it that Bartimaeus wants. And the blind man without hesitation made his request. It was respectful and full of trust.

It is not spoken in desperation or fear. It is calm, humble request in good faith. And Jesus did not disappoint. For those who have thought it over and know what would make them happy and ask for it will get it. For what they want is what God wants for them. Fullness of life is God’s greatest desire for each and every one of us.

Respond:

Today, let us remember the blind people who shows extraordinary courage in meeting the challenges of life headlong. Let us support their initiatives to live dignified lives. Let us also pray for them. May their lack of sight not diminish their capacity to live meaningful lives.