Catechism Links[1]
CCC 547-550: Jesus performed messianic signs
CCC 1814-1816: faith, a gift of God
CCC 2734-2737: filial confidence in prayer
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| “Christ Healing the Blind Man” by Eustache Le Sueur, c. 1650 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Jeremiah 31:7-9
Commentary on Jer 31:7-9
The Prophet Jeremiah is looking forward to the return of the Hebrews from their exile. In this selection he foresees the return of a great throng, gathered from the far reaches of the world as the people return to the promised land – Jerusalem
CCC: Jer 31 1611
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
R. (3) The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Commentary on Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Psalm 126 is a lament. In this short psalm the singer rejoices at the return of Israel following the Diaspora, the conquering of Israel and its enslavement. In this hymn, the people remember the greatness of God as he restores their nation and brings the people back to their own land ("Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves."). The sense is one of being overflowing with thanksgiving.
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Reading II: Hebrews 5:1-6
Commentary on Heb 5:1-6
This is an important passage from the standpoint of understanding the call to ministry, especially the Priesthood. It is frequently used at ordinations and provides an understanding of what it means to be called to a vocation; “No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God.”
The author concludes with a reference to the “order of Melchizedek”, the priest King, first identified in Genesis 14:18 and referenced again in Psalm 110:4. The image of Melchizedek is used to prefigure Christ, the Messiah who is Priest, Prophet and King. This same indelible character is imposed upon those called to God’s service in the priesthood.
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Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
Commentary on Mk 10:46-52
In St. Mark’s story of the cure of the blind man (see also Matthew 20:29-34 and Luke 18:35-43) it is the way he addresses Jesus that becomes the focus. We are told he address him as “Son of David”. This is the messianic title applied by Jewish tradition to the one who comes to “heal the blind and the lame and set the prisoners free” (Isaiah 42;6-7). In response to the blind man’s request “Master, I want to see”, in an almost casual way Jesus tells him his faith has saved him and the blind man sees. Not surprisingly the now sighted man follows Jesus.
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Reflection:
Students who will be assisting the blind are frequently required to spend an extended period (perhaps a couple days) blindfolded, completely without sight or light, to help them understand what it feels like for their future charges. There are few things in life we would miss more than our ability to see. While those physically without sight have learned to compensate for their lack of sight with other senses and aids, those of us who see today would be in a pretty sorry state if tomorrow we woke up and the world was dark.
Most are probably thinking, “Yes, I know Jesus did the blind man a huge service by restoring his sight.” And of course you would be right. But let us look at this action metaphorically for a moment. Let us assume that it is not physical sight that was restored but the light of truth that was given. Perhaps what the blind man received was not just the ability to perceive the world around him, but the ability to understand what God wanted for him. Just as a sighted person can see danger and avoid it, so the enlightened person can see spiritual danger and avoid it. Recall, St. Peter even mentioned this in his letter; “…keep away from worldly desires that wage war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). The ability to see and avoid these dangers comes from our spiritual sight, sight only the Lord can give
The very good news is that he offers this gift to us freely. It is enhanced through sacramental grace, like corrective lenses or laser eye surgery, we see more clearly as a result of the special grace given in the sacraments. Today as we recall how Jesus gave sight to the blind, we pray that he will continue to shed his light on our path so that we might not stumble as we walk with him.
Pax
[1] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, Published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014
[3] The picture today is “Christ Healing the Blind Man” by Eustache Le Sueur, c. 1650
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