Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, B

	Jeremiah 31: 7-9
	Psalm 126
	Hebrews 5: 1-6
	Mark 10: 46-32

The readings today connect with God’s overflowing concern for His people, exemplified 
in His treatment of the blind.  In the First Reading, we have a “return from exile” passage 
from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah.  In this reading, we hear of the ones chosen to be 
part of the return; they are not simply the young, the hale and hearty—they are also the 
blind, the lame, those who are with child. In other words, those who cannot survive the 
return will participate in it, anyway.  The Responsorial Psalm is the song of returning 
exiles, and its refrain points us toward the mighty acts that God will do in Jesus:  “The 
Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy!”  The Gospel tells of the healing 
of the blind beggar known as Bartimaeus, who (upon hearing the commotion) cries out to 
Jesus, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”  (The Greek has “eleison mou”—have 
mercy on me.)  He tells Jesus that he wishes to see, and Jesus says, “Go your way—your 
faith has saved you.”  When he receives his sight, he goes, but not on his way; rather, he 
follows Jesus on his way.  How do we see Jesus?  Are we ‘stuck’ at seeing him as the 
great miracle worker?  Or are we willing to go with him on the way of the suffering 
servant, the way of the cross?

The Second Reading, from the Letter to the Hebrews, is giving us the background of 
God’s appointment of Jesus as eternal High Priest.  The reading does not imply that he 
was not the Son before His resurrection—rather, that Jesus entered into his eternal 
“work” as Son and High Priest when He returned to the Father’s right hand after the 
Resurrection.

This hymn is based on today’s Scripture: MYM#29
Shout for joy!  With cries of gladness
Gather those who were dispersed.
Here the blind are given vision,
Here the comfortless find mirth.

In his faith, blind Bartimaeus
Shouted out his need to see:
Jesus, Light from Light, restored him,
Gave him sight and set him free.

Each of us, in our baptism,
Has received the gift of sight,
Through the Christ, our high-priest Jesus;
Filled with joy, we seek God's light.

	87.87.
	no suggested tune

Propers from the Roman Gradual

Introit:  Laetetur cor (Ps. 105:3b-4)
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord.
Search for the Lord, search for him and his strength.
Search for his face for evermore.
	Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;
	make known his deeds among the peoples.

Offertory:  Domine, vivifica me (Ps. 119:107, 125)
O Lord, preserve my life according to your eloquent words
that I may know your testimonies.

Communion:  Laetabimur (Ps. 20:5ab)
We shout for joy and sing of your salvation,
and in the Name of the Lord our God we will make our triumph.

alternate:  Stans autem Jesus (Lk 18:31-43)
(parallel to the Gospel for Year B)
Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him,
and when he drew near, Jesus asked him:
“What do you want me to do to you?”
He replied, “Lord, that I might see!”
Jesus told him, “Receive it!  Your faith has saved you.”
He received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God.

Propers from the Simple Gradual

The suite of antiphons and psalms from Ordinary Time III (BFW 239–247) — 
petitioning God for assistance — is especially appropriate.

Entrance: BFW 239 (Turn to your people, Lord, have pity on us)
Response: Alleluia psalm BFW 341 
Gospel acclamation: BFW 340
Offertory: BFW 244 (God is my helper; the Lord upholds my life)
Communion: BFW 246 (Seek first God’s kingdom . . .)