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In aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

11stst reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9 reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9 7 Thus says the LORD: 7 Thus says the LORD: Shout with joyShout with joy for for

Jacob, Jacob, exultexult at the head of the nations; at the head of the nations; proclaimproclaim your praise and say: The LORD has your praise and say: The LORD has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel. 8 delivered his people, the remnant of Israel. 8 Behold, I will bring them back from the land of Behold, I will bring them back from the land of the north; I will gather them from the ends of the north; I will gather them from the ends of the world, with the blind and the lame in their the world, with the blind and the lame in their midst. The mothers and those with child; they midst. The mothers and those with child; they shall return as an immense throng. 9 They shall return as an immense throng. 9 They departed in tears, but I will console them and departed 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. For on 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: Jeremiah 31:7-9 reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9Exhortation to rejoiceExhortation to rejoice 7 Thus says the LORD: 7 Thus says the LORD: Shout with joyShout with joy for Jacob, for Jacob, exultexult at at

the head of the nations; the head of the nations; proclaimproclaim your praise your praise The reasons:The reasons: and say: The LORD has and say: The LORD has delivered his peopledelivered his people, the , the

remnant of Israel. remnant of Israel. 8 Behold, I will 8 Behold, I will bring them backbring them back from the land of the from the land of the

north; I will north; I will gather themgather them from the ends of the world, with from the ends of the world, with the blind and the lame in their midst, The mothers and the blind and the lame in their midst, The mothers and those with child; they those with child; they shall returnshall return as an immense throng. as an immense throng.

9 They departed in tears, but I will 9 They departed in tears, but I will consoleconsole them and them and guideguide them; I will them; I will leadlead them to brooks of water, on a them to brooks of water, on a level road, so that none shall stumble. For I am a father level 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 31:7-9General Outline of Jeremiah (Boadt)General Outline of Jeremiah (Boadt)

Part I Part I Chapters 1-25 Type A and CChapters 1-25 Type A and C Part II Part II Chapters 26-36 Type BChapters 26-36 Type B Part III Part III Chapters 37-45 Type BChapters 37-45 Type B Part IV Part IV Chapters 46-51 Type A Chapters 46-51 Type A Part V Part V Chapter 52 Type CChapter 52 Type C

Part IIPart II contains stories about the prophets and oracles from the times of contains 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 personal Type 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 31:7-9 reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9Exhortation 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) to to

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 go The 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 (give I 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 Babylonian Jeremiah prophesied before and during the Babylonian

Exile.Exile. The Babylonian Exile had a devastating effect on the The Babylonian Exile had a devastating effect on the

prophet himself and on other pious Israelites who loved prophet 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 worship of the Temple worship disruptiondisruption of the economic, political and social activity of the economic, political and social activity humiliationhumiliation of the Israelites who were proud of their God who of 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 and The text addresses people looking for explanation and

salvation. God, through the prophet, gives hope and salvation. God, through the prophet, gives hope and consolation.consolation.

God still loves the people of Israel. He will bring them back God 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, invites Putting 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 our The prophet would interpret this as a punishment for our

sins sins (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 us In 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 a He 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 tearsshall 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 great R. (3)  The Lord has done great

things for us; we are filled with things for us; we are filled with joy.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 tearsshall 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 the PsalmReflections on the Psalm 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: Hebrews 5:1- reading: Hebrews 5:1-66 1 Every high priest is taken from among men and made 1 Every high priest is taken from among men and made

their representative before God, to offer gifts and their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal patiently with the sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness 3 ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness 3 and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. 4 No one takes this honor upon as well as for the people. 4 No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in In 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 forever he says in another place: "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." according to the order of Melchizedek."

22ndnd reading: Hebrews 5:1- reading: Hebrews 5:1-66 1 Every 1 Every high priesthigh priest is taken from among men and made is taken from among men and made

their representative before God, to offer gifts and their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal patiently with the sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness 3 ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness 3 and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. 4 No one takes this honor upon as well as for the people. 4 No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in In 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 forever he says in another place: "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." according to the order of Melchizedek."

The focus is on the high priesthood (of Christ).

22ndnd reading: Hebrews 5:1- reading: Hebrews 5:1-66The OT High PriestThe OT High Priest

1 Every 1 Every high priesthigh priest is taken from among men and made is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal patiently with the sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness 3 ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness 3 and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. 4 No one takes this honor upon as well as for the people. 4 No one takes this honor upon 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 himself 5 In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself

in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: "You are my son; this day I have begotten you"; 6 just him: "You are my son; this day I have begotten you"; 6 just as he says in another place: "You are a priest forever as he says in another place: "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." according to the order of Melchizedek."

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 5:1-6 Textual 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 reading: Hebrews 5:1- reading: Hebrews 5:1-66The OT High PriestThe OT High Priest

1 Every 1 Every high priesthigh priest is taken from is taken from among men and made their among men and made their representative before God, to offer representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by and 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 as must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. 4 No one takes well as for the people. 4 No one takes this honor upon himself but only when this 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 Christ 5 In the same way, it was not Christ

who glorified himself in becoming who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who high priest, but rather the one who said to him: "You are my son; this day said to him: "You are my son; this day I have begotten you"; 6 just as he I have begotten you"; 6 just as he says in another place: "You are a says in another place: "You are a priest forever according to the order priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." of Melchizedek."

CommentaryCommentary Vv.1-4Vv.1-4 talk about the high priesthood talk 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 and Deals patiently with the ignorant and

the erringthe erring Makes sin offerings for himself and Makes 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 priesthood talk 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 are God 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 reading reading 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, to They 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 a 46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a

sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. 47 On hearing that it Timaeus, 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 out rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." 49 Jesus all 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." 50 saying to him, "Take courage; get up, he is calling you." 50 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51 Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for 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." 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 the Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. way.

Gospel: Mark 10:46-52Gospel: Mark 10:46-52 46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a 46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a

sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. 47 On hearing that it Timaeus, 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 out rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." 49 Jesus all 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." 50 saying to him, "Take courage; get up, he is calling you." 50 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51 Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for 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." 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 the Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. way.

The focus is on the healing of the Blind Man.

Gospel: Mark 10:46-52Gospel: Mark 10:46-52SettingSetting 46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a 46 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 of 47 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. The Blind ManThe Blind Man 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." The Blind ManThe Blind Man 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 replied 51 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 saved to 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 10:46-52Part I Part 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 a Three sections, each beginning with a summary of the activity of Jesus and a

narrative concerning the disciples and concluding with the adoption of an narrative 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 II Part II The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-16,816,8

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 instructions Indicated 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--13,37C. 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 JohnThe Blind Man Bartimaeus (in Jericho)Entry into Jerusalem (11,1)Jesus curses the Fig TreeCleansing of the Temple

Used with permission from PBS/UBS

Gospel: Mark 10:46-52Gospel: Mark 10:46-52SettingSetting 46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples 46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples

and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging.

The Blind ManThe Blind Man 47 On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he 47 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. The Blind ManThe Blind Man 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, "Take So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take

courage; get up, he is calling you." courage; get up, he is calling you." The Blind ManThe Blind Man 50 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came 50 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 want 51 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." Immediately your 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.

CommentaryCommentary The title of the gospel passage is The title of the gospel passage is

“The Healing of Bartimaeus”“The Healing of Bartimaeus” or “ or “The The Healing of the Blind ManHealing of the Blind Man.”.”

We should observe what all the We 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 to rebuked, he cries out all the more to Jesus; throws his cloak, springs up Jesus; throws his cloak, springs up when called; talks personally to when called; talks personally to Jesus; receives sight and follows Jesus; receives sight and follows Jesus; has faith in Jesus.Jesus; has faith in Jesus.

The The crowdcrowd (many) rebuke him (many) rebuke him (silence him), perhaps they feel (silence him), perhaps they feel embarrassed by the noise of this embarrassed 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 bring He commands his disciples to bring Bartimaeus to him; talks to B and Bartimaeus to him; talks to B and heals him.heals him.

The The disciplesdisciples obey Jesus; they seem obey Jesus; they seem to sympathize with Bartimaeus.to sympathize with Bartimaeus.

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading Jesus is the protagonist of the story. We must pay Jesus 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 his Bartimaeus. 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 have God works miracles to those who have faithfaith.. Jesus is willing to be distracted by people who would like Jesus 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 not Jesus 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 have God will do the same to us if we have faithfaith in him. in him.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm

The The first readingfirst reading exhorts the people to exhorts the people to rejoicerejoice for God for God is bringing the Exiles back to their land.is bringing the Exiles back to their land.

The The second readingsecond reading talks about the talks about the high priesthoodhigh priesthood of of Christ. It comes from God.Christ. It comes from God.

The The gospel readinggospel reading talks about the talks about the healing of the blind healing of the blind man.man.

The The psalmpsalm is the expression of having experienced is the expression of having experienced God’s liberating / restorative love and God’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 a testimony 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/her because 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 is meeting, by going to the doctor and doing what is prescribed).prescribed).

Now, develop the theme of Now, develop the theme of healinghealing. . It is possible It is possible only through faith.only through faith.

The The 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, but They trust in themselves and in other people, but not in Him. So they are punished (Exiled in not in Him. So they are punished (Exiled in Babylon). Babylon).

But at the end, God promises restoration of their But at the end, God promises restoration of their former privileges. former privileges.

Punishment is not the last word, but God’s mercy Punishment 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 to The 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.

The The second readingsecond reading affirms what Jesus Christ affirms what Jesus Christ can do to us as a high priest. He offers true can do to us as a high priest. He offers true sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins, for our sacrifice 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 our We 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 things We cannot show appreciation to the beautiful things

around us. We refuse to acknowledge the goodness of around us. We refuse to acknowledge the goodness of others. others.

We are blinded by our prejudices. We do not see the We are blinded by our prejudices. We do not see the needs of our children because we are preoccupied needs of our children because we are preoccupied with our careers / works. Many of us don’t see any with our careers / works. Many of us don’t see any hope in our world today. hope in our world today.

The The gospel readinggospel reading presents the journey of the presents the journey of the blind man with Jesus, from being blind to being blind man with Jesus, from being blind to being able to see, because of his able 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 us Blindness, spiritual or physical, can hinder us

from following Christ. from following Christ. HealingHealing of our blindness can lead us to follow of our blindness can lead us to follow

him.him.

We need to be like Bartimaeus who “prays” to We 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 is He shouts all the more, even when he is reprimanded. reprimanded.

He listens to the cues and grabs the opportunity He listens to the cues and grabs the opportunity right away. right away.

We can also throw our cloaks, spring up and We can also throw our cloaks, spring up and approach Jesus to be restored to bodily and approach Jesus to be restored to bodily and spiritual well-being.spiritual well-being.

In the In the eucharisteucharist, Jesus comes again. He is not , Jesus comes again. He is not just passing by, but staying with us in the just passing by, but staying with us in the celebration. celebration.

In the In 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 our so that we may be restored again to our original dignity and freedom. original dignity and freedom.

In the In 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 and Our Context of Sin and GraceGrace ImprisonedImprisoned Exiled, banished, Exiled, banished,

ostracizedostracized DeportedDeported DesperateDesperate HopelessnessHopelessness Spiritually blindSpiritually blind Unable to see God in Unable to see God in

one’s lifeone’s life

Rejoicing in hopeRejoicing in hope ParoledParoled Restorative Justice Restorative Justice

(Caritas Manila)(Caritas Manila) HealingsHealings Unintimidated Faith Unintimidated 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=JRWqJuXVAP0 Amazing Grace, for communionAmazing Grace, for communion Lord I Know, for communionLord I Know, for communion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulqjOjYZOns I Love You All, for communionI Love You All, for communion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxaP-9mLXCE Kahit Isang Kusing, after communion (for Manila Kahit Isang Kusing, after communion (for Manila

Archdiocese), slide to 1,22Archdiocese), slide to 1,22 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKPih205uVQ (with Noel (with Noel

Cabangon)Cabangon) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrfa-DSUkIs (with Cardinal (with Cardinal

Rosales)Rosales)