RETURN TO THE LORD

HOMILY FOR 30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B* 

R1: Jer 31:7-9, 

R/P:  P 125:1-6, 

R2: Heb.5:1-6, 

Gospel: Mk 10:46-52

Theme: RETURN TO THE LORD

Today’s readings challange us to turn back to the Lord. We can recall that in the gospel of last Sunday, the two brothers James and John, made a special appeal to the Lord, that he should grant that on the last day, the two of them will be seated one at his right and the other at his left (Mk 10:35-45). Jesus, asked them if they will be able to receive the kind of his baptism and drink of the cup which he himself will drink. From that last Sunday’s gospel reading, we found out that following Jesus or becoming part or a member in his kigdom is not by a mere proclamation and profession of faith, it also requires drinking of a cup. 

Today’s gospel reading continues from here, stating clearing what we must do if we want to be part of this kingdom. It explains to us the kind of cup we must drink to merit that possition of sitting at his right and his left. Thus, we have the following lessons to learn from the readings:

*1. The call of God is for all:*  In the first reading of today, the prophet Jeremiah challanges the chiefs of nations to shout for joy, for the Lord will bring back from the land of the North, the blind and the lame, women with child and those in labour. Here the prophet wants us to understand the direction of God’s call. God calls both those who have closed their eyes against the suffering of helpbless (the blind). He wants those who have refused to speak against the evil in the society to return to him (the lame). He is not leaving behind those who are fruiful either in their ministries, apostolate, places of work or those who are making effort to bear good fruits (women with child), neither is he overlooking those who are suffering due to what they have intentionally committed (women in labour). Thus, let all of us make our way back to God.

*2. The medium through which we can return to the Lord:* Every Christian adventure needs mentorship. The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews clearly writes: “No one takes this honour upon himself...(Heb 5:4).” For everyone that wants to live a good Christian life, such a person must seek a spiritual assistance. Let no one underlook the function of the priest who acts in the Person of Christ, in our struggle to perfection. The Sacrament of Penance is a necssary tool for this return. In this Sacrament, the priest acts not for himself and by himself, he acts in the Name of Christ. It might also interest you to note that as long as Bartimaeus desired to have his sight, “Jesus invited him through the aid of others.”  Jesus did not say to him, Come! He rather said to others, ‘Call him here.’ Mk 10:46. Spiritual support is essential for all.

*3. The voice of concience as a tool for spiritual return:* From the gospel reading of today, we see that the blind man (Bartimaeus) was only prompted by the shoutings of others to ask what was going on. Many Christians have blocked their minds from hearing this inner voice that always push us to seek the presence of God. This blind man was never forced to speak, he thought of himself and shouted, “Have mercy on me, Jesus, Son od David.”(Mk 10:47). This is the kind of force that should push me to seek God’s grace. Am I comfortable with my present situation? Have I blocked my ear from hearing the voice of God? To what extent has all the homilies I have been hearing affected my life positively? We cannot see, we cannot improve spiritually unless we listen to the inner voice and ask Jesus, that we may see.

*4. The cloak we must drop:* Did you notice that immediately Jesus invited Bartimaeus he threw away his cloak and jumpted to him? One will begin to imagin if he jumped naked to Jesus. My friends, there are things we must necessarily leave behind if we want to follow Jesus. Mk 10:29 insists that anyone who leaves his father, mother etc for the sake of the kingdom will receive the reward. The cloak we must leave behind include bad friends who are not helping us spiritually. In the case of Bartimaeus we see those who tried to discourage him, those who told him to shut up  but he overlooked them and shouted the louder. There are people we must overlook, there are actions we must overlook, there are habits we must overlook, there are dressing codes we must overlook, there are lifestyle we must overlook. These are the things that are drawing us back. They are those voices that keep discouraging us. We need to leave them behind so that we do not become as heavy as the rich man (Mk 10:25) who will find it difficult to enter the kingdom. The time to turn to the Lord is now. Jesus is telling us, Courage! Let us make haste while the sun shines.

May the Lord help us and may he bless his words in our hearts through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Reflection by:

*Rev Fr. Chukwuemeka Vincent Livinus, SMMM.*