Scripture Study for
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 31:7–9 / Psalm 126:3 / Hebrews 5:1–6 / Mark 10:46–52
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Understanding the Word
By Br. John R. Barker, OFM
The first part of the book of Jeremiah focuses on the impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem for their persistent, serious violations of the covenant relationship with God. Despite opposition from others who claim to speak for God, Jeremiah is proved right when Babylon destroys the city and exiles many of the people to “the land of the north.” Yet the prophet insists that judgment is not the final word. In a classic oracle of salvation, the people are told to exult in their future redemption and return to the Promised Land. The blind and the lame—the weakest of the remnant—will be brought back, too. The final verse emphasizes God’s enduring love for Israel, God’s “first-born” child. Not even years of infidelity can erase this primary relationship between God and Israel.
The author of Hebrews continues to develop the theme of Jesus as the eternal High Priest. In the past, a mere human represented all of Israel before God in cultic worship, offering—among other things—sacrifices for sin. Being sinful himself, the high priest was not separate from the rest of Israel, but a part of them and also in need of forgiveness. According to divine law, high priests had to be from the line of Aaron; no one could arrogate to himself this role. In the same way, Christ did not take upon himself the role of eternal High Priest, but was chosen by God, who acknowledged him as Son and Priest.
Jesus and his disciples are on the way to Jerusalem. Bartimaeus’s cry, addressing Jesus as “son of David,” indicates that he believes Jesus to be the Davidic Messiah whom God would send to reestablish God’s reign. It’s not clear why the others tell him to be silent, but this does to deter him, another sign of his faith. In his affirmation of Jesus’ identity as Messiah, in his persistence in seeking healing, and in his immediate and enthusiastic response to Jesus when he is called, the blind man shows all the hallmarks of a good disciple, and thus is open to the salvation that Jesus offers.