Consider how the Israelites would have welcomed the good news of their liberation from exile when it was first announced by the Prophet Jeremiah. Imagine the relief, the joy and total transformation such new development would have brought to them. Can we ever imagine how overjoyed and satisfied Bartimaeus felt when he eventually heard the words: "Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He has struggled desperately to get the attention of Jesus to no avail. At the verge of giving up, suddenly, hope is restored to him. He will see again!

In recent weeks, the double theme of discipleship and the necessary reality of suffering for the Gospel has appeared regularly. Today’s scripture readings address this mysterious necessity yet again. We all know that preaching the truth and sacrificing our reputation can often be seen as bad. So can suffering – we don’t like to see it, or feel it, or talk about it. In fact, there are a lot of Christians out there who love the cross, but hate the crucifix because it seems too brutal. None of us want to suffer, but yet there is something redemptive, something heroic, about suffering. And it teaches us about the heart of Christ.

I think today’s readings pose a serious challenge for those of us who do go to church. I mean we who have responded positively to follow Jesus Christ the Lord. Like the man in the Gospel who has fulfilled every letter of the law, and wants to know what he needs to do to get everlasting life, we too are challenged to know what we need to put in order more than just showing up at church every Sunday.

I am very much aware that the modern society is very tolerant of divorce and remarriage, however, the first reading and the gospel of today invite us to reflect on the ideal of PERMANENCE IN MARRIAGE and on the value of lifelong commitment. Jesus' words on the indissolubility of marriage, especially set this ideal for all Christian couples. And we ask: Does this ideal of lifelong fidelity to one person seem impracticable for our times? Can a couple be expected to stay together for possibly 50 years and above?

The central message for us in today's readings is how to recognize the working of the Holy Spirit in others and to accept and tolerate them. Both the first reading and the gospel present this challenge to us and how to be inclusive and tolerant in treating others.

The Church still wants us to continue the same theme that we were given in last Sunday’s readings: the way to life is through dying to ourselves and be of service to all. That there is no way we can be true followers of Jesus without the way of the cross. Even though redemption in Jesus Christ gives us thepower to live a new life, it does not exempt us from human suffering. Therefore, knowing and accepting to follow Jesus is a commitment that one has to make bearing in mind the price to be paid.

Who do you say that I am? Mark 8:27

Isaiah would suffer and call upon the Lord for help. Jesus speaks of his own suffering and death and of the demands of discipleship. What use is faith, to confess that Jesus is the Christ without works of love?

The advent of the age of salvation is upon us: the deaf hear, the blind see, and those bowed down are raised up. The kingdom is made manifest around the Eucharistic table, where rich and poor alike are invited to feast.

Through observance of the Lord’s commands, we shall experience the fullness of life. Living in conformity with God’s will frees us from all casuistry about good and evil. We are called to welcome God’s word and to let it take root in our hearts.

Joshua confronts the tribes of Israel; Will you desert your covenant with Yahweh? The desertion of disciples is a prelude to the paschal mystery. With Peter, however, let us profess our faith in the Lord, who gave himself up for all of us.

Wisdom has prepared a banquet of food and wine, an image expressive of God’s communion with us. For those who desire life, Jesus gives his own flesh and blood. Thus we shall be filled with the Spirit.

To strengthen him for the journey, God provides Elijah with cake and water, reminiscent of his ancestors’ Pasch. Thus he experiences the goodness of the Lord. Jesus, the bread of life, strengthens us for our journey, following his way of love.

The Lord provides heavenly food for the Israelites to eat. Jesus proclaims himself to be the very bread of life. We lay aside our way of life to be created anew in his image.