First Reading
Jeremiah 31:7-9

1. This reading is about God’s promise to console and deliver his people. They were a remnant in the land of the north, blind and lame, and they departed in tears. Pope Francis said new policies and new forms of social consensus are needed to eliminate new global forms of slavery, born of grave injustices. What does/can your parish or office or family do to fight the poverty?

How much progress has been made in this area in so many parts of the world! How much has been done in these first years of the third millennium to raise people out of extreme poverty! I know that you share my conviction that much more still needs to be done, and that in times of crisis and economic hardship a spirit of global solidarity must not be lost. At the same time I would encourage you to keep in mind all those people around us who are trapped in a cycle of poverty.

Pope Francis, Address to Members of Congress
September 24, 2015

2. Is there anyone in your life who just needs the road “leveled out” a little? If you help, how is this good for you as well as that person? Does self-giving help bring about the reign of God?

Second Reading
Hebrews 5:1-6

1. “He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness.” How would the experience of weakness help someone minister to others? Do you think Jesus’ human experience and suffering draws people to him? Why?

2. Baptism makes all of us ministers of the reign of God. Think about Moses, Peter, Paul, St. Augustine, St. Damien, St. Thomas Aquinas and others. Discuss how weaknesses can help make good ministers.

 








Gospel
Mark 10:46-52

1. The disciples were trying to shut up Bartimaeus. But he kept calling out to Jesus anyway. What do you do when others tell you to keep quiet? In the history of the Church can you think of great scientists and theologians who were silenced?

2. “Master, I want to see.” What is it that you want to “see” that will change your life as radically as Bartimaeus changed his? Do you recognize Christ in our midst today as Bartimaeus did? How open are you to the working of the Spirit in your life?

Anne Osdieck