Greetings on this the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jer 31:7-9; Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6; Heb 5:1-6; Mk 10:46-52
Summary
It is the initiative and intention of the Lord to bring peace and reconciliation and salvation. He has given us a part in that mission. The Sacramental System (the seven sacraments) was given to us to effect the Return, the Reconciliation and the Salvation of humankind. We are given things to do in participation in the salvific plan of the Lord.
It should never be lost on us. It is the Lord who frees us. It is in the human family we receive the divine gifts.
Nobody baptizes themselves. Nobody forgives their own sins. Nobody takes Holy Orders but as given by another. Even marriage is given, one to the other, as you cannot take another without their consent.
Uniquely for Jesus is that he is both the Source and the Summit of the divine initiative and the reflex human response. He gives what he is given to do freely and without reservation. All of which is for your well-being.
Reflection
In today’s gospel portion we are reminded to ask the Lord for what we need and hope for. Faith, hope and love – the divine gifts of conversion – are the centering perspective. But asking is a crucial part of receiving. Ask. Ask specifically. Ask often. For yourself and others.
Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” Do you not believe Jesus already knew in advance what was the ‘ask’? In ordinary knowledge it is obvious and the even deeper the gift? The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” See he will indeed. See with his eyes in a physical healing and see in the spirit the loving embrace of the Lord. Is it not marvelous that the blind man received the first person he ever saw in his life: the Savior, face to face.
Personal Reflection
- Ask.
- See.
- Even today in the Sacramental System of divine gifts we are to ask for them.
The Seven Sacraments
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Eucharist
- Reconciliation
- Anointing of the Sick
- Holy Matrimony
- Holy Orders
These are the real, powerful, efficacious initiatives of the divine and given through humans to effect our healing and return. Cast away what you hold onto – even your most prized possession (his cloak).
So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
Come and receive the goodness of the Lord.
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102724.cfm
First Reading
The Road of Return
The LORD has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel. 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.
Responsorial
The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Second Reading
In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him:
You are my son:
this day I have begotten you;
just as he says in another place:
You are a priest forever
according to the order of Melchizedek.
Gospel Acclamation
Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.
Gospel
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.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry