Our readings this Sunday remind us of God's profound mercy and His desire to heal and restore us.
In the first reading from Jeremiah 31:7-9, God promises to bring back His people from exile, gathering them with joy and healing. He will guide the blind, the lame, and those in need on their journey home, reflecting His deep compassion for us in our moments of weakness and struggle.
The responsorial psalm echoes this joy: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126). This is a reminder to rejoice in the blessings God has bestowed upon us, even when we face trials.
In the second reading from Hebrews 5:1-6, we are reminded that Jesus is our high priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses. He intercedes for us, offering His own life to reconcile us with God, just as He once did as both priest and sacrifice.
Finally, in the Gospel of Mark 10:46-52, we witness the healing of Bartimaeus, a blind man who cries out to Jesus for mercy. Bartimaeus’ persistence and faith bring about his healing. Jesus tells him, "Your faith has saved you," and immediately, Bartimaeus regains his sight and follows Jesus on the way.
These readings invite us to cry out to God in our own needs, trusting that He hears our prayers and desires to restore us, not just physically but spiritually. Like Bartimaeus, we are called to persevere in faith, even when others discourage us, and to trust in the healing power of Christ.
November: Remembering the Saints and the Faithful Departed
As we approach November, we are reminded of the Church’s tradition of remembering All Saints and All Souls. This is a sacred time to honor both those recognized by the Church and those known only to God. It is also a time to pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
One of the long-standing traditions in the Church is the dedication of a Mass intention for our loved ones who have passed away. During these Masses, we mention their names in the Prayer of the Faithful, offering prayers for their eternal rest. If you would like to dedicate a Mass intention for a loved one, you can do so by visiting or contacting our parish office. For online requests, please visit www.ihmwaynenj.org/mass-card.
Let us continue to pray for those who have gone before us, trusting that they are in God’s loving care. May their souls rest in peace, and may we one day join them in the joy of heaven.