055 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings

Cycle B 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jeremiah 31: 7-9; Psalm 126: 1-6; Hebrews 5-1-6; Mark 10: 46-52

Homily Theme

A Joyful Call

In the first readings this week, Jeremiah prophesies about a Joyful Call from the Lord. The people are told they will come back to their restored land rejoicing. The psalm picks up on this same theme as they actually do come back to the promised Land rejoicing. A Joyful Call has been prophesied and fulfilled.

The second reading speaks of The call to the priesthood. No one takes this honor on himself unless called by God. It is fitting that those who are being called should pray about this particular Call to make sure that they are hearing it correctly. To all those who are eligible to become priests I would earnestly ask them to discern this most joy filled Call from God to become a priest according to the order of Melchisedech. Parishioners and Families should pray for those members who they feel are being Called to this life. Nobody takes this Call lightly but only when truly Called by God.

Pray for all priests who have received and have already answered the Call. Remember, all priests need your prayers and so do all those who are considering answering this unique Call. Remember also, every baptized Christian should pray to know their own special Calling that God is seeking for them to follow. Learn to listen to God in your daily prayers. Seek guidance from another Christian friend or Spiritual Director when in doubt as to you own special Calling.

In the Gospel the blind Bartimeus calls out from the crowd to the passing Jesus. He is seeking a miracle. Jesus calls him to come to Him and he asks him , “What do you want me to do for you?” He wants to be able to see. Jesus hears his Call and grants his request. Perhaps you need a healing of spiritual blindness. As you sit in church today, you are also part of a crowd and Jesus will be there among you. Listen to Jesus as he calls you to the altar to come to Him at the distribution of Holy Communion. What do you want Jesus to do for you? Ask Him to remove your spiritual blindness so that you may see clearly what He wants you to do for Him. Everyone one has a call to do what you alone are called to do. When you hear Him speak to your heart and you say yes, you will rejoice because it will be

A Joyful Call and your heart will know.