First Reading:

(Jeremiah 31:7-9)
“With consolations I will lead them back, among them the blind and the lame.” 
Thus says the Lord: “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘The Lord has saved his  people, the remnant of Israel.’ Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her who is in travail, together; a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not    stumble; for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first-born.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 126:1-2ab.2cd-3.4-5.6 (R. 3)  
R/. What great deeds the Lord worked for us! Indeed, we were glad.
When the Lord brought back the exiles of Sion, we thought we were dreaming.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter; on our tongues, songs of joy. R/.
Then the nations themselves said, “What great deeds the Lord worked for them!”
What great deeds the Lord worked for us! Indeed, we were glad. R/.
What great deeds the Lord worked for us! Indeed, we were glad.
Bring back our exiles, O Lord, as streams in the south.
Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap. R/.
They go out, they go out, full of tears, bearing seed for the sowing; they come back,
they come back with a song, bearing their sheaves. R/.

Second Reading

(Hebrews 5: 1-6 )
“You are a priest for ever according to the order of Melchizedek.” 
Every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honour upon himself, but he is ‘called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Gospel

(Mark 10:46-52) Every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honour upon himself, but he is ‘called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Homily Summary Thirtieth Sunday of the Year (Year B)

Theme: “Lord, that we may see!” – Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah who restores our lives.

Key Points

1. Hope and Confidence in Jesus: Today’s liturgy emphasizes Jesus as the compassionate Messiah who restores our lives.
2. Faith and Perseverance: Bartimaeus’ story teaches us to persist in faith despite discouragement and obstacles.
3. Recognizing Jesus’ Presence: Like Bartimaeus, we must recognize Jesus’ presence in our lives, especially in the Holy Eucharist.
4. Throwing Away Hindrances: We must let go of things that stand between us and God, just like Bartimaeus threw away his cloak.
5. Following Jesus: After receiving blessings, we should follow Jesus, not abandoning Him when our needs are met.
6. Every Life Matters: God values every person; we should treat others with dignity and compassion, regardless of appearance or status.
7. Overcoming Spiritual Blindness: Jesus heals spiritual blindness caused by sin, selfishness, pride, prejudice, and materialism.

Reflection Questions

1. What are the “cloaks” I need to throw away to answer Jesus’ call?
2. How can I recognize Jesus’ presence in my life?
3. Am I persevering in faith despite challenges?
4. Do I value every person as God does?

Prayer

“Lord, that we may see” – Open our eyes to recognize Your love and presence, and cure us of spiritual blindness. Amen!