Return with Healing

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to respond to the blindness of our society to the needs of those we are called to invite to return to communion with us on our journey.

Seeing our Way

The reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah describes the Road of Return for the exiles.

* [31:2–3] Jeremiah describes the exiles of the Northern Kingdom on their way home from the nations where the Assyrians had resettled them (722/721 B.C.). The favor they discover in the wilderness is the appearance of the Lord (v. 3) coming to guide them to Jerusalem. Implicit in these verses is the presentation of the people’s return from captivity as a second exodus, a unifying theme in Second Isaiah (chaps. 40–55). (Jeremiah, CHAPTER 31 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 126 proclaims a Harvest of Joy.

* [Psalm 126] A lament probably sung shortly after Israel’s return from exile. The people rejoice that they are in Zion (Ps 126:1–3) but mere presence in the holy city is not enough; they must pray for the prosperity and the fertility of the land (Ps 126:4). The last verses are probably an oracle of promise: the painful work of sowing will be crowned with life (Ps 126:5–6). (Psalms, PSALM 126 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, Jesus is identified as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

* [5:1–10] The true humanity of Jesus (see note on Heb 2:5–18) makes him a more rather than a less effective high priest to the Christian community. In Old Testament tradition, the high priest was identified with the people, guilty of personal sin just as they were (Heb 5:1–3). Even so, the office was of divine appointment (Heb 5:4), as was also the case with the sinless Christ (Heb 5:5). For Heb 5:6, see note on Ps 110:4. Although Jesus was Son of God, he was destined as a human being to learn obedience by accepting the suffering he had to endure (Heb 5:8). Because of his perfection through this experience of human suffering, he is the cause of salvation for all (Heb 5:9), a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Heb 5:10; cf. Heb 5:6 and Heb 7:3). (Hebrews, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [5:1] To offer gifts and sacrifices for sins: the author is thinking principally of the Day of Atonement rite, as is clear from Heb 9:7. This ritual was celebrated to atone for “all the sins of the Israelites” (Lv 16:34).

* [5:2] Deal patiently: the Greek word metriopathein occurs only here in the Bible; this term was used by the Stoics to designate the golden mean between excess and defect of passion. Here it means rather the ability to sympathize.

The Gospel of Mark relates the Healing of Blind Bartimaeus.

* [10:46–52] See notes on Mt 9:27–31 and 20:29–34. (Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [9:27–31] This story was probably composed by Matthew out of Mark’s story of the healing of a blind man named Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46–52). Mark places the event late in Jesus’ ministry, just before his entrance into Jerusalem, and Matthew has followed his Marcan source at that point in his gospel also (see Mt 20:29–34). In each of the Matthean stories the single blind man of Mark becomes two. The reason why Matthew would have given a double version of the Marcan story and placed the earlier one here may be that he wished to add a story of Jesus’ curing the blind at this point in order to prepare for Jesus’ answer to the emissaries of the Baptist (Mt 11:4–6) in which Jesus, recounting his works, begins with his giving sight to the blind. (Matthew, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Elvin Cardoso, S.J. comments that today, Jesus passes by each of us, inviting us to express our desires. However, we must ponder: Do we sincerely seek? The vision Jesus offers isn’t just about physical sight; it’s about perceiving ourselves through His loving perspective. It’s an opportunity to recognize our inherent worth, beauty, and our unique roles in His creation.

Reflecting on Bartimaeus’ journey from the roadside to following Jesus, let’s consider what it means for us to rise and walk with Him. This is where the challenge emerges: to accept and embrace our true selves in the light of God’s love. When we learn to love ourselves, we become equipped to share that love with others. Just as Bartimaeus was transformed and enabled to follow Jesus, we, too, are called to a life marked by generous service and authentic relationships, empowered by the insight we gain through Christ. (Cardoso, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Your Word will enlighten and save me,” by Clement of Alexandria, 150-215 A.D.

"The commandment of the Lord shines clearly, enlightening the eyes. Receive Christ, receive power to see, receive your light, that you may plainly recognize both God and man. More delightful than gold and precious stones, more desirable than honey and the honeycomb is the Word that has enlightened us (Psalm 19:10). How could he not be desirable, who illumined minds buried in darkness, and endowed with clear vision 'the light-bearing eyes' of the soul? ... Sing his praises, then, Lord, and make known to me your Father, who is God. Your Word will save me, your song instruct me. I have gone astray in my search for God; but now that you light my path, Lord, I find God through you, and receive the Father from you, I become co-heir with you, since you were not ashamed to own me as your brother. Let us, then, shake off forgetfulness of truth, shake off the mist of ignorance and darkness that dims our eyes, and contemplate the true God, after first raising this song of praise to him: 'All hail, O light!' For upon us buried in darkness, imprisoned in the shadow of death, a heavenly light has shone, a light of a clarity surpassing the sun's, and of a sweetness exceeding any this earthly life can offer." (excerpt from EXHORTATION TO THE GREEKS 11.8) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 10:46-52 comments that Jesus wants us to ask him for whatever we need—whether that’s strength, boldness, or a particular set of gifts and talents—so that we can follow him.

Today at Mass, imagine Jesus asking you the same question he asked Bartimaeus: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51). Don’t be afraid to tell him! Know that he is pleased when you come to him with your every need!

“Jesus, give me the courage to trust in you!” (Meditation on Mark 10:46-52, n.d.)

Peter Edmonds SJ writes about faith in the Gospel of Mark.

The word ‘faith’ occurs a fourth time in Mark in his account of the cure of Bartimaeus. He was a blind beggar who heard that Jesus was passing by. Three times he pleaded with Jesus for mercy and for the restoration of his sight. His prayer was granted and Jesus said to him, as to the woman previously, ‘Go, your faith has saved you’ (10:52). Paradoxically, Bartimaeus ignored this instruction to go; instead he followed Jesus on the way that led to Jerusalem, the city where Jesus was to die. His faith had expressed itself in repeated and persevering prayer, despite discouragement from those standing by. His example teaches us to persevere in prayer to the person of Jesus. Faith encourages the habit of regular and persistent prayer. Greek Christian tradition in particular has valued this prayer of Bartimaeus, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me’ (10:47); monks of old repeated it, as they trudged off to their work in the fields. (Edmonds, 2012)

Friar Jude Winkler notes the change of theme in this part of Jeremiah from condemnation of Judah to celebration of the return of the exiles from Babylon. Hebrews connects Jesus' priesthood to that of Melchizedek who offered bread and wine in the time of Abraham. Friar Jude notes the theme of the blind seeing Jesus' relation to God better than the sighted and the “saving” of Bartimaeus as indicating his physical and spiritual healing.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, recognizes how a focus on religion as a matter of personal belief has discouraged some Christians from engaging in political action. The idea of “staying out of politics” doesn’t come from God. Fr. Richard senses that it arises from our egoic, dualistic thinking that has a hard time hearing a different perspective or learning something new. 

In my opinion, the reason we lost our Christian authority is because we did not talk about the inner world very well. We were much more focused on believing doctrines, practicing rituals, and following requirements, which are not, in and of themselves, inner or deep. Frankly, Buddhism spoke to inner transformation far better than the three monotheistic religions. We Christians did not connect the inner with the outer—which is a consequence of not going in deeply enough. Christianity now has become increasingly irrelevant, often to the very people who want to go both deep and far. We so disconnected from the political—the welfare of God’s aggregated people and the public forum—that soon we had nothing much to say.  

I am not talking about partisan politics here, but simply the connecting of the inner world with the outer world. We have allowed the word partisan to be the first and sometimes only meaning of the word political and so people don’t even allow us to preach a purely gospel message from the pulpit—as it might sound “political”!  

Here is my major point: There is no such thing as being nonpolitical. Everything we say or do either affirms or critiques the status quo. Even to say nothing is to say something: The status quo—even if it is massively unjust and deceitful—is apparently okay. This “nonpolitical” stance is an illusion we must overcome. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We reflect on our “blindness” to the needs of the people who we encounter on our journey and seek inspiration from the Spirit to include them as we seek goodness, truth and love.

References

Cardoso, E. (2024, October 27). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/102724.html 

Edmonds, P. (2012, November 13). Faith in the Gospels. Thinking Faith. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from https://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/20121113_1.htm 

Hebrews, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/5?1 

Jeremiah, CHAPTER 31 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/31?7 

Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/10?46 

Matthew, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/9? 

Meditation on Mark 10:46-52. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/10/27/1113803/ 

Psalms, PSALM 126 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/126?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Beyond Private Virtue. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/beyond-private-virtue/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). What Do You Want Me to Do for You? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=oct27 

Cults and Blindness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with our blindness to the plans and actions we witness daily that bring death and destruction to our brothers and sisters through the ascendency of war over peace.

Gathered in Peace

The reading from the First Book of Maccabees describes the tyranny of Antiochus Epiphanes, Renegade Jews and the Installation of Gentile Cults.

* [1:14] Gymnasium: symbol and center of Greek athletic and intellectual life, it was the chief instrument of Hellenistic culture. Jewish youth were attracted by sports and encouraged to join youth clubs. They received training in military skills and in the duties of citizens. Many were won over to paganism, and some even sought surgical correction of their circumcision (since physical exercise was carried out in nudity). (1 Maccabees, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 119 praises the Glories of God’s Law.

* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. (Psalms, PSALM 119, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar Near Jericho.

* [18:38] Son of David: the blind beggar identifies Jesus with a title that is related to Jesus’ role as Messiah (see note on Lk 2:11). Through this Son of David, salvation comes to the blind man. Note the connection between salvation and house of David mentioned earlier in Zechariah’s canticle (Lk 1:69). See also note on Mt 9:27. (Luke, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tom Quinn asks how can we separate the terminal phrase of today’s readings, “terrible affliction was upon Israel,” from current events? We can learn from the ancient events and pray to God as the Psalmist does: “redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may keep your precepts.” “Give us life, Lord, and I will do your commands.”

The Gospel sets an example that has helped me to pray today. A blind man seeking a cure from Jesus was rebuked by the crowd surrounding Jesus. The man persisted. Jesus asked him, "what do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said, “please, let me see.” Jesus told the man, "Have sight, your faith has saved you.” We should not give up on our prayer if we do not experience immediate results. Be sincere; be patient; ask God directly what we want Him to do for us. Have faith that God hears our prayer; we are never alone. (Quinn, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “The blind man knows that Jesus is the Son of David and the Messiah,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"The blind man must have understood that the sight of the blind cannot be restored by human means but requires, on the contrary, a divine power and an authority such as God only possesses. With God nothing whatsoever is impossible. The blind man came near to him as to the omnipotent God. How then does he call him the Son of David? What can one answer to this? The following is perhaps the explanation. Since he was born and raised in Judaism, of course, the predictions contained in the law and the holy prophets concerning Christ had not escaped his knowledge. He heard them chant that passage in the book of the Psalms, 'The Lord has sworn in truth to David, and will not annul it, saying: "of the fruit of your loins I will set a king upon your throne"' (Psalm 132:11).

"The blind man also knew that the blessed prophet Isaiah said, 'There will spring up a shoot from the root of Jesse, and from his root a flower will grow up' (Isaiah 11:1). Isaiah also said, 'Behold, a virgin will conceive and bring forth a son, and they will call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us' (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14). He already believed that the Word, being God, of his own will had submitted to be born in the flesh of the holy Virgin. He now comes near to him as to God and says, 'Have mercy on me, Son of David.' Christ testifies that this was his state of mind in offering his petition. He said to him, 'Your faith has saved you.'"(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 126) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 18:35-43 comments that we believe in Jesus’ love, and we know that we can come to him and ask for help. But do we? Sometimes “the crowd” rebukes us and stops us. Instead of hostile onlookers, though, that “crowd” is often the voices in our own heads—voices that tell us that Jesus may listen to everyone else, but he won’t listen to us. Or that we don’t deserve his help. Or that because we don’t see an answer right away, we should just give up.

Don’t listen to those voices! Keep calling out to Jesus, just as the blind man did! Perhaps you have a friend or relative who has been dealing with a really difficult issue for a long time. It seems hopeless. But don’t stop praying, because a solution might be just around the corner. Or perhaps you face a seemingly impossible situation in your own life. Be insistent and persistent in your prayer.

Jesus hears your prayers. He is asking you today, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41). (Meditation on Luke 18:35-43, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler outlines some of the history that established Antiochus Epiphanes as Emperor over the people of Israel and how the religious customs became hellenized as also described in the books of Wisdom and Sirach. Jesus is addressed as “Son of David” by the blind beggar. Friar Jude reminds us that when someone experiences a manifestation of faith and healing, Jesus refers to the person as being saved.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, understands the teachings of Bonaventure as a call to love all creation.

St. Bonaventure taught that to work up to loving God, start by loving the very humblest and simplest things, and then move up from there. “Let us place our first step in the ascent at the bottom, presenting to ourselves the whole material world as a mirror, through which we may pass over to God, who is the Supreme Craftsman,” he wrote. And further, “The Creator’s supreme power, wisdom and benevolence shine forth in created things.” [1]

Creation—be it planets, plants, or pandas—was not just a warm-up act for the human story or the Bible. The natural world is its own good and sufficient story, if we can only learn to see it with humility and love. That takes contemplative practice, stopping our busy and superficial minds long enough to see the beauty, allow the truth, and protect the inherent goodness of what is—whether it profits or pleases us or not. (Rohr, 2023)

As we continue to suffer from blindness to the lack of beauty, truth, and goodness in the words and actions of narcissistic leadership in our world, we implore the Son of David to open our eyes to leaders who serve with love, mercy, and compassion.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/18? 

Meditation on Luke 18:35-43. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/11/20/833667/ 

1 Maccabees, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1maccabees/1?10 

Psalms, PSALM 119. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119? 

Quinn, T. (2023, November 20). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112023.html 

Rohr, R. (2023, November 20). Building on a First Love — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/building-on-a-first-love/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=nov20