30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9
*RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 126:1-2ab.2cd-3.4-5.6 (R. 3)
2nd Reading: Hebrews 5: 1-6
Gospel Acclamation: 2 Timothy 1:10
Gospel Reading: Mark 10:46-52
Nnanna K. Ogbonna
My Reflection
"Jesus son of David, have mercy on me".
This prayer has been echoing in my heart, Jesus will never pretend not to hear our cries for mercy. We should be encouraged that no matter our state, when we turn to God for mercy, He will surely hear us. Divine mercy is the greatest attribute of God.
Another lesson for us is Bartimaeus's throwing off his cloak and springing up to Jesus. Such a beautiful disposition, when the perfect came, he know the imperfect had to give way, he might have had need for the cloak before, but in this case, he sacriced it and raced towards Jesus, despite his blindness. We should be ready to rush into the waiting merciful hands of our Father.
Finally, Bartimaeus knew what he needed most. He could have asked for money or other things. Remember what Heriodias daughter asked for - the head of John the Baptist. Do we misuse opportunities when presented with one? May God continue to guide our hearts so we can ask rightly and obtain all the blessings God has in store for us, Amen.
Anne Aikpokhio
My Reflection
Jesus Christ, Light of the world.
We as Christians/ Catholics, should always know that by the virtue of our Baptism, we are called to be the Light of Christ, to the world.
The readings admonishes us to always be conscious of the way we respond to people.
Christ light should reflect in our characters, attitudes and behaviors. In the gospel reading, many of the people rebuked Bartimaeus from coming closer to Christ.
Just as OCCF platform is opened to all as the light of Christ to the world. We the members should also be transformed by the spirituality of the platform.
Oh God, by your Holy Spirit, give us the grace to be your shinning light to darkened world. Amen
Michael Umande
```LESSON 1️⃣ (PROPHET JEREMIAH)```
From the First Reading (Chp 31)
_the remnant of Israel (v. 7d)_
Who are the remnant of Israel? The remnant are those who have survived through the exile. A period masked with difficulties and harsh living conditions, slavery, captivity, and bondage. To be able to live through this ugly kind of life is itself a miracle. It's a call for joy. That's why the Lord commanded the people to sing, shout, and proclaim his salvation (31:7a)
Take a moment of yourself. See how far you have gone through in life. Always remind yourself that you're a product of God's grace and salvation. No matter what you're going through at the moment, the Lord got you. Believe in him and It shall end in praise. But how can one survive through life difficulties? Share your thoughts as we await the next lesson
```LESSON 2 (PROPHET JEREMIAH)```
From the First Reading (Chp 31)
_together; a great company (v. 8d)
The gathering of those exiled included the blind and lame, pregnant women and those about to give birth (31:8). It's miraculous how God managed to bring this people from far and wide. How He managed to lead them through thick and thin. Considering their situation, it's hard to believe that they made it.
Your life goal may seem far and unrealistic. The kind of situation you find yourself may add to it difficulty. But when God step into your situation, there's nothing too hard for him to do. Faith in God is the key to live through life difficulties. The harder the situation the stronger your faith. How can we understand this? See you in the next lesson
Nathaniel Onwuasoegwu
My reflection is on the gospel.
When I look @ Bartimaeus I could see the intensity the zeal to meet Jesus.
He cried out more.
And throwing off his cloak he sprang up and came to Jesus.
We are called to have such intent.
It shows faith confidence trust and belief.
He was physically blind but spiritually sighted.
Whatever we are passing through today no matter the difficulty let us have faith in God.
That he can do all things and do them well.
Even in the midst of our physical disadvantages let us put all our trust and faith in God like Bartimaeus.
Ave!
Okoha, Friday EmmaNworie
God's Readiness to Help: Overcoming Human Limitations
In today's readings, we see God's eagerness to assist His people. Jeremiah 31:7-9 promises restoration from captivity, physically and spiritually. However, the readings present to us three key obstacles that can prevent us from receiving God's help:
1. Unclear desires: We often don't know what to ask God for.
2. Discouragement: We give up easily, like the crowd trying to silence Bartimaeus.
3. Lack of persistence: We don't persevere in seeking God's help, unlike Bartimaeus, who cried out despite opposition.
We are encouraged by the readings to approach God with clear intentions and faith. Not to allow discouragement hinder our prayers. And to persist in seeking God's help, trusting in Jesus' compassion.
May we, like Bartimaeus, cry out to God with confidence, clarity, and perseverance, embracing Jesus' ever-ready assistance.
Ignatius Onwe Elom
Time is hard oooooo
Life is becoming unbearable oooooooo
Nigeria is at the point of breakeven oooooo
Where do we go from here ??
Jeremiah is telling you dear brothers
, dear sisters to calm down.
Be consoled for the Lord is on the throne
Have you forgotten so soon ??
He has done it before and will still do it again even in more surprising and miraculous ways.
He said , and I quote: sing aloud with gladness for Jacob. Raises shout for the chief of the nation, proclaim , give praise and say: *the Lord has saved his people including you reading this reflection*
Don't forget "We will once again walk by the brooks of water , in a straight path in which we will not stumble.
