SUNDAY HOMILY OF 30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B

SUNDAY HOMILY OF 30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: BEYOND SIGHT—LESSONS FROM A BLIND BEGGARS

BY: Fr. Obinna Ezeaputa

Jeremiah 31:7-9; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52

Imagine holding a key to unlock the door to a brighter future. For Bartimaeus, faith was the hand that turned the key, unlocking Jesus’ healing power. Let’s reflect on the lessons this story (Mark 10:46–52) holds, which have the potential to transform our lives.

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Jesus with his disciples and a sizable crowd were leaving Jericho when they encountered Bartimaeus, a blind beggar. Bartimaeus, upon learning Jesus is nearby, cries out, “Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me!” (Mark 10:47). By calling Jesus by the title “Son of David,” he acknowledges him as the Messiah (Revelation 22:16). May we recognize Jesus as our Savior and solution to life’s challenges.

As Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus, many bystanders rebuke him, saying, “Be silent!” (Mark 10:48). But Bartimaeus persists, crying out even more loudly, “Son of David, have pity on me!” (Mark 10:47). The bystanders’ rebuke became an opportunity for Bartimaeus to demonstrate persistence. May we learn from him to turn obstacles into chances to grow.

When Jesus calls out to Bartimaeus, he swiftly gets up and goes to Him (Mark 10:49–50). His immediate actions demonstrate his willingness to let go of worldly attachments and his desire for spiritual transformation (Hebrews 3:15). May his example inspire us to let go of anything holding us back from responding to Him.

Jesus then asks Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51). This question resonates deeply with each of us. We all have areas where we struggle, hindering us from becoming the person God desires us to be. May Jesus inspire us to identify our struggles, seek help, and trust in Jesus’ power to transform us.

Bartimaeus cried out, “Master, I want to see” (Mark 10:51), voicing a universal human desire—to gain clarity and purpose. Who hasn’t felt lost or unsure about their direction in life? We’ve all struggled to find clarity and purpose.

In today’s chaotic world, two significant obstacles stand out. The first obstacle is the emergence of false prophets and deceptive leaders who take advantage of our weaknesses, while the second is the spread of false information by conspiracy theorists, which intensifies division and fear.

But as we navigate these complexities, may we echo Bartimaeus’ plea, “Master, I want to see.” May we receive both physical and spiritual sights to see through the noise, discern fact from fiction, and discover our purpose.

Jesus’ powerful words, “Go your way; your faith has saved you” (Mark 10:52), reveal a profound truth. Faith and healing are deeply intertwined. But what came first—Bartimaeus’ faith or Jesus’ healing power? The answer is simple yet profound: both.

Think of it like a key and a lock. Jesus’ power was the key that unlocked Bartimaeus’ healing, but faith was the hand that turned the key. Without faith, the key wouldn’t have fit. Without Jesus’ power, the lock wouldn’t have opened.

This dynamic plays out in our own lives in countless ways. For instance, when faced with a diagnosis, medical treatment is essential, but faith fuels our resilience. In relationship crises, honest communication is crucial, but faith fosters forgiveness. When facing personal struggles, seeking professional help is necessary, but faith provides inner strength.

Jesus’ declaration reminds us that faith is a catalyst for transformation. When we place our trust in His power, our faith serves as a conduit for healing, restoration, and redemption. May his declaration inspire us to trust in His power and harness the transformative potential of our faith.

Bartimaeus’ transformation went far beyond physical healing. After regaining his sight, he chose to follow Jesus, demonstrating unwavering faith in Him as the source of healing and redemption (Mark 10:52). May he inspire us to show appreciation for God’s blessings by serving Him. Amen.

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