Homily of 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9; 2nd Reading: Hebrews 5:1-6; Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
Amidst our society’s turbulence, shrouded in darkness by economic hardship and societal pressure, many people constantly long for liberation. Like Bartimaeus, who was physically blind, many of us navigate life with a sense of spiritual blindness. We are surrounded by the shadows of injustice, division, and despair, which obscure our vision and distance us from the divine light.
Meanwhile, the healing of Bartimaeus by Jesus Christ is a testament to God’s promise of spiritual restoration. It also serves as a metaphor for our struggles, reminding us that we, too, must seek the light of Christ to illuminate our path and restore our spiritual sight. Have you been longing for God’s intervention in your life? I assure you that God will answer your prayers soon. Join us as we reflect on how we can tap grace from Jesus Christ, our High Priest, for spiritual restoration.
The Promise of Spiritual Restoration Ratified in Bartimaeus
In the first reading, God promised through Prophet Jeremiah to restore the Israelites from hopelessness and slavery (blindness) to freedom (sight). According to Prophet Jeremiah, God had a plan to prosper and not to harm them, to give them hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). The Israelites’ journey, as recounted in the scriptures, mirrors the plight of Bartimaeus. Their spiritual blindness led them into exile and suffering, yet their cries for mercy were eventually answered by God.
Similarly, in the gospel reading, we see Bartimaeus who had been in a hopeless situation for a very long time, waiting eagerly for divine intervention. When he heard that Jesus Christ was passing by, he seized the opportunity, persistently pleading for healing despite the crowd’s discouragement. His unwavering faith moved Jesus Christ, who summoned him. When Jesus asked him what he wanted, Bartimaeus’ response was, “Master, let me see again” (Mark 10:51). Through his faith, he was miraculously healed, regaining his sight through Christ, the light of the world (John 8:12). God’s promise of restoration, initially made to the Israelites, found fulfillment in Bartimaeus’ healing and extends to us all.
Bartimaeus’ Demonstration of Faith and Perseverance
The healing of Bartimaeus is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. His relentless cries for mercy exemplify the strength required to overcome obstacles and societal pressures. Unfortunately, many people tried to prevent Bartimaeus from speaking out. But when Jesus Christ heard his cry for help and summoned him, those who wanted to dissuade him pretended to have concerns for him. What a sycophantic and hypocritical action! Of course, we encounter similar challenges and experiences from people. Sometimes, it could be injustice, marginalization, or personal struggles, but we must persevere like Bartimaeus. However, our perseverance, fueled by unwavering faith, will surely lead us to our freedom and restoration.
Another remarkable action of Bartimaeus was that, when Jesus called him, he immediately threw away his working stick, demonstrating his complete trust in Jesus. In our own lives, some obstacles may tend to dissuade us in our pursuit of divine restoration. Yet, like Bartimaeus, we must be steadfast in our faith. The best way to achieve that is by eschewing any distraction that hinders our spiritual growth. Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us as well as trusting in the healing power of Christ, our High Priest, to deliver us from spiritual blindness.
Jesus, Our High Priest, Offers Us Healing and Hope
The role of Jesus Christ as our eternal High Priest underscores the path to spiritual restoration. Jesus Christ, having gone through the experiences of humankind and understanding humanity in all its strengths and weaknesses, is always sympathetic to her. Through His sacrifice, Christ bridges the gap between humanity and God, offering us a way to overcome the barriers of sin and spiritual blindness. His understanding of human frailty and His establishment of the priesthood provides us with a beacon of hope. Certainly, the priesthood is not an office that someone takes upon himself. It is a privilege and a glory to which he is called. This ministry of God among men is neither a job nor a career but a calling (Hebrews 5:4).
Moreover, every ordained priest plays a crucial role, especially in the salvation of souls. He acts in the person of Christ (in persona Christi Capitis). His three primary duties (munera), which are modeled by Christ Himself, are: (1). To teach (munus docendi), based on Christ’s role as a Prophet. (2). To sanctify (munus sanctificandi), based on Christ’s role as a Priest. (3). To govern (munus regendi), based on Christ’s role as a King. Hence, through these duties, the priest heals people from spiritual blindness when he prays for them; preaches the gospel to them; baptizes them; celebrates the Holy Eucharist; absorbs their sins at the confessional; unites couples in marriage; and anoints the sick among them.
A Call to Walk in the Light of Christ
Reflecting on the healing of Bartimaeus and the priesthood, we are called to embrace the light of Christ. He heals our spiritual wounds and restores us to freedom  (Romans 8:11). So, we should always give thanks to God for the victory in Christ Jesus, our eternal High Priest (1 Corinthians 15:57). We should also avoid the occasions of sin, seek confession and absolution when we falter.
Furthermore, we should help those in difficulty and extend our compassion and forgiveness, especially to those who have wronged us, relying on the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit heals our spiritual blindness, we can truly understand what it means to follow Christ faithfully. Let us pray for the strength to see clearly, love sincerely, and walk in the divine light that dispels all darkness.
Conclusion
My dearly beloved, the healing of Bartimaeus is a powerful reminder of God’s transformative power and the importance of unwavering faith. Just as Bartimaeus’ sight was restored through Christ, we too can be healed of our spiritual blindness via our faith in God. As Christians, we should not allow anything or anyone to dissuade or discourage us when we seek justice, equity, fairness, healing, divine mercy, etc. Rest assured that through the power of the Holy Spirit, God will intervene in your situation.
So, by embracing the teachings of Christ and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome life’s challenges and experience the healing and restoration that only God can provide. Therefore, let us strive to follow in Bartimaeus’ footsteps. Persevering in our faith, and seeking the divine light that leads us to eternal life.
Prayer:
May the Almighty God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, heal you from your spiritual blindness and Illuminate your path with His divine light. May you see His wondrous deeds clearly and love Him and your fellow human beings sincerely, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Peace of Christ be with you…
Rev. Fr. Ben Okala, C.S.Sp.
