GOD’S PROMISE OF RESTORATION

 

Homily for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Bible Readings: Jeremiah 31:7-9; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52

The theme of restoration is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing God’s deep desire to bring restoration, healing, and renewal. This Sunday’s readings bring this theme to the forefront, showing us how God reaches out to restore our lives, heal our wounds, and guide us back to him.

The First Reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah is a powerful prophecy of hope. The context was the Babylonian Exile, a time of great suffering and loss for Israel. The people were displaced, their homeland was destroyed, and they were longing for deliverance. At that time, Jeremiah delivered a message from God: “Behold, I will bring them back from the land of the north; I will gather them from the ends of the world” (Jeremiah 31:8).

This promise of restoration was not just a physical return to the land but a spiritual renewal. God’s words are filled with tenderness and compassion, as he spoke of leading back the blind, the lame, mothers, and children. “They shall come back with weeping, and with consolations I will lead them back” (Jeremiah 31:9). The image of water is particularly significant - it symbolizes life, refreshment, and the Holy Spirit. God promises to lead his people to streams of water, ensuring they are sustained and that their path is made smooth.

This promise of restoration is to all of us a reminder that no matter how far we may wander or how dark our circumstances may be, God’s love and mercy always seek to bring us back. He is a God who gathers, heals, and restores, offering us a new beginning when all seems lost. The return from exile was not just a journey home; it was a journey back to the heart of God, who desires to renew his relationship with his people.

This theme of restoration reached its climax in today’s gospel reading with the healing of the blind beggar, Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside in Jericho, a man whose life had been marked by darkness, exclusion, and despair. Yet, when he heard that Jesus was passing by, something stirred within him. He began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47). The cry was an act of faith, a recognition that Jesus has the power to restore him. Even when others tried to silence him, he persisted. This was a crucial point: sometimes, the process of restoration requires perseverance and a refusal to be silenced by different voices in our lives: the voices of doubt, fear, shame, or external pressure. Bartimaeus’ persistence was a testament to his faith and his hope that Jesus can change his life.

When Jesus heard Bartimaeus, he stopped and called him over. The dialogue that follows was beautiful in its simplicity. Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus was clear about what he needed and he replied, “Master, I want to see” (Mark 10:51). Jesus granted his request, saying, “Go your way; your faith has saved you” (Mark 10:52). We too must be precise with needs.

This moment of healing was not just about physical sight; it was about a deeper restoration. Bartimaeus’ life was transformed because he encountered the living God, who brought light to his darkness. The phrase “your faith has saved you” suggests a spiritual awakening, where Bartimaeus could see not just with his eyes but with the eyes of faith. Also, he was no longer a blind beggar sitting by the roadside; he was a disciple who followed Jesus “on the way.” His encounter with Jesus restored his dignity, his purpose, and his ability to see both physically and spiritually, reminding us that God’s restoration is not just about fixing what is wrong; it is about making us whole. Whether we are dealing with spiritual blindness, physical ailments, or emotional scars, God desires to restore us and bring us back into a right relationship with him.

Today, we need to ask ourselves some questions. Where do we need God’s healing touch? Are there areas in our lives where we feel exiled, distant, or lost? What do we need to see more clearly? Do we have the courage to cry out like Bartimaeus, asking Jesus to restore our sight, our hope, and our faith? Let us keep in mind that restoration begins with recognizing our need for God. Just as Bartimaeus cried out for mercy, we too must turn to God in our moments of need, trusting that he hears us. It also requires a willingness to be led, just as the Israelites were led back to their homeland by God’s gentle hand. We must let God take control, guide us to the waters of refreshment, and heal our deepest wounds.

As we celebrate the Eucharist today, let us open our hearts to the restoring power of God’s love. May we always recognize the moments when God passes by in our lives and never miss an opportunity to call out to him, trusting that he will stop, listen, and bring healing. Let us bring our brokenness, our struggles, and our pain to the altar, trusting that Jesus, our compassionate High Priest, the one who understands our struggles, is ready to heal, to forgive, and to renew us.