Daily Catholic Lectio.

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sunday, 27 October ‘24

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

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

The Lord transforms our bondage into freedom

“When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,

we were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter,

and our tongue with rejoicing.” (Psalm 126)

The responsorial psalm today (Ps 126) beautifully expresses Israel’s joy at their unexpected liberation, symbolized by the sudden transformation of dry brooks into streams—a fitting image for the swift grace of God. In Israel, dry brooks, though seemingly barren, can flood unexpectedly with rain, reminding us of the Lord’s power to bring freedom and joy even in desolation. This prayerful hope for sudden transformation resonates in our readings today.

The Transformation from Slavery

Jesus teaches, “Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). Here, “slavery” refers to a state that lacks permanence, identity, and true freedom. During their exiles, Israel faced this very bondage: displaced and stripped of land, kingdom, and temple. Yet, God freed them in an instant, inspiring a joy “like those who dream.”

Living the Dream of Redemption

Dreams, in the psalmist’s context, carry three key elements: (a) Dreams come unexpectedly, symbolizing Israel’s sudden liberation; (b) they unfold rapidly, mirroring the swiftness of God’s deliverance; (c) they require no human effort, highlighting the grace freely bestowed. Like Israel, we too rejoice in God’s boundless mercy, unearned yet freely given.

The Call of the Remnant

In the first reading (Jeremiah 31:7-9), the prophet consoles Israel with a vision of God’s gathering of the “remnant”—a word first describing the exiled survivors, but now inclusive of the oppressed, poor, and vulnerable. This gathering reveals God’s inclusive love, where even the “least” are welcomed. Their weeping signals repentance, and God’s consolation follows.

Christ’s Eternal Priesthood

The second reading (Hebrews 5:1-6) contrasts human priesthood with that of Christ. Unlike the Levite priests, Jesus, from the tribe of Judah, is ordained by God himself, “a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” As the Son of God, he enters the holy sanctuary on our behalf, offering a single, perfect sacrifice. His priesthood, not bound by human lineage, is eternal and transformative.

Healing of Bartimaeus: A Journey from Darkness to Light

In today’s Gospel (Mark 10:46-52), Jesus heals Bartimaeus, a blind beggar whose simple yet profound faith is a model for us. Blind yet perceiving, Bartimaeus cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” When others attempt to silence him, he remains undeterred, casting aside his cloak—the symbol of his old life—entrusting himself to Jesus. His healing unfolds in three steps: (a) he professes faith in Jesus, (b) he perseveres despite opposition, and (c) he leaves behind his “cloak” of security, fully committing to his new life.

The Message of Today’s Liturgy:

God continues to deliver us from the bondage of sin and renews our hearts if we open ourselves to his grace. Like St. Augustine, who famously shed his “cloak” of past habits, we are invited to abandon old attachments and embrace transformation. What God achieved in Bartimaeus—turning his desolate blindness into clear vision—He can also accomplish in us.

Our Response Today:

(a) Receive the Sight of Faith: Like Bartimaeus, let us recognize Christ’s presence even when our “eyes” are closed.

(b) Decide Swiftly and Act: In our encounter with Jesus, let us not delay. We are invited to choose “Jesus or the cloak” without hesitation.

(c) Leave Behind the Old Life: Following Jesus means a transformation of heart – a new life that leaves behind the security of the past.

God is ever at work, transforming our state of slavery and filling us with the joy of true freedom. When we open ourselves to Him, every obstacle can melt away, and our hearts may experience the harvest of joy, even if sown with tears.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy