Theme:
Restoration through Faith
Most often,
life challenges us with unfavourable situations that make us victims of circumstances.
At such moments, all hope is usually lost. Such was the kind of experience the
people of Israel had during the Babylonian exile when they were driven away
from their homeland as captives in Babylon. But God took the initiative of
bringing them back to their homeland and restoring their lost possessions. That
is why in the first reading (Jeremiah 31:7-10), God through the Prophet
Jeremiah in the Book of Consolation delivers a promise of restoration, recovery
and hope for the Israelites in their captivity where they had lost every sense
of peace, happiness and hope.
Amidst the
several promises of restoration and hope, God promised to bring back the weak
and the helpless, the blind and the lame, women with children and women in
labour. These categories of people represent the vulnerable, the poor and the
dependent in the society. They were exiled into pitiable situations but God
promised to restore them to His original plan.
That is why in
the gospel reading (Mk. 10:46-52) we see in practical term the restoration
promised in the first reading. Christ who is Himself the fulfillment of the Law
and the Prophets restored to the blind Bartimaeus the power of sight.
Beloved
friends, our personal situations may not be far from that of the Israelites.
Perhaps, we are experiencing aridity in our spiritual lives, in our businesses,
vocations, studies or even inter-personal relationships. Everything that works
for our good may seem to have gone on exile, things no longer work well for us.
Perhaps there is a Nebuchadnezzar in your life at the moment that is the cause
of your fear, panic, suffering and uncertainty. Then do not be afraid! Behold
the Lord, the righteous judge has come to set you free, to restore you to even
a better position. He has come to loosen your bounds and make your eyes see
again. All that is demanded of you is a disposition of faith.
At the moment,
could there be something discouraging you or something persuading you to relent
in your good efforts and works? Are you sincerely advancing towards holiness of
life and your family members or friends seem to be drawing you back? Is your poverty
situation or problem drawing you back? Each time you desire to open your mouth
and pray is there anything silencing you? Are your sins preventing your voice
from rising in supplication to God?
Then do not be
discouraged. Only have faith in the God of Jesus Christ who went about doing
good. He is on His way to meet you and He will meet you if only you sustain the
effort to draw his attention. So like Bartimaeus, what are you doing at the
moment to draw His attention to your situation?
For this
reason, the second reading (Heb. 5:1-6) reminds us of the ever available
presence of Jesus in His priests for no one takes this honour upon himself
except he is called as Aaron was. The priest represents Christ and offers gifts
and sacrifices for sins. The reason why we are groping in the dark is because
we are spiritually blind and the cause of our spiritual blindness is sin.
Therefore,
today, resolve to have your spiritual sight restored. This could be done by
approaching a priest for confession so that with the scales of sin taken away
from your eyes, you can see the wonders of God in your life and also see His
plans for you. So let your prayer remain “Lord that I may see”. God loves you.
***
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Thank you Uwakwe for sharing this thoughtful reflection. I cannot but enjoy your rich reflections each time I want to prepare for my homilies.
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