Responsorial Psalm
When the Lord
brought the exiles back to Zion,
we were like those moving in a dream.
Then our mouths were filled with laughter,
and our tongues with songs of joy.
Among the nations it was said,
"The Lord has done great things for them."
Then our mouths were filled with laughter,
and our tongues with songs of joy.
Among the nations it was said,
"The Lord has done great things for them."
The Lord had done great things for us,
and we were glad indeed.
Bring back our exiles, O Lord,
like fresh streams in the desert.
Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs and shouts of joy.
They went forth weeping,
bearing the seeds for sowing,
they will come home with joyful shouts,
bringing their harvested sheaves.
2nd READING (Heb 5,1-6)
Every High Priest is taken from among mortals and appointed to be their
representative before God to offer gifts and sacrifices for sin. He is able to understand
the ignorant and erring for he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he is bound
to offer sacrifices for his sins as well as for the sins of the people. Besides, one does
not presume to take this dignity, but takes it only when called by God, as Aaron was.
Nor did Christ become High Priest in taking upon himself this dignity, but it was given
to him by the One who says: You are my son, I have begotten you today. And in
another place: You are a priest forever in the priestly order of Melchizedek.
Gospel
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar,
Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. On hearing that it was
Jesus of Nazareth passing by, he began to call out, "Son of David, Jesus, have mercy
on me!" Many people scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the
louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So
they called the blind man saying, "Take heart. Get up, he is calling you." He
immediately threw aside his cloak, jumped up and went to Jesus. Then Jesus asked
him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said, "Master, let me see
again!" And Jesus said to him, "Go your way, your faith has made you well." And
immediately he could see, and he followed Jesus along the road.
