I think this is so cool: "Even more descriptive a...

2009-10-28T06:02:11.361-07:00

I think this is so cool:

"Even more descriptive are the numerous texts relating Solomon’s abilities as an exorcist and healer (cf. Josephus, A.J. 8:42–49; Apoc. Adam 7:13; cf. also Wis 7:20)"

I tried calling in to "Reasons for Faith" today, b...

2009-10-23T12:09:08.646-07:00

I tried calling in to "Reasons for Faith" today, but couldn't get through. Thanks for the connection you drew today between 2 Sam 5:6-8, Jer 31:8, and Matt 21:14! It's an eye-opener (no pun intended)!

I always try to find the reason for the association of the O.T. and Gospel readings at Mass. Sometimes the connection is obvious, but sometimes the meaning goes much deeper than first appears. This Sunday, I think, is one of those deeper days.

Jer 31:7 gives the context: God bringing back His people from exile, back to Israel, and Jerusalem in particular. Jer 31:8 says God will bring them back from the north, with the blind and the lame, and that they will be a large group. In the Responsorial Psalm, the connection to the exile from Zion is made even more clear. (Ps 126:1)

In Mark's gospel, Jesus has been walking throughout Israel and is now returning to Jerusalem (through Jericho) for the last time. In his journeys, He went as far north as Tyre and Sidon. (Mark 7:24, 31) Wherever He went, large crowds gathered to hear Him and be healed by Him. (Mark 7:14; 8:1, 34; 9:14; 10:1, 46) He was heading, of course, to Jerusalem. (Mark 10:32; 11:1)

What do you think of those parallels?

Also, I find it interesting that Jesus asks essentially the same question to Bartimaeus (Mark 10:50) as He does to James and John (Mark 10:36), but the answer given to one is VERY different from the answer given to the others!

Comments on The Sacred Page: Healing of Bartimaeus (Video and Post Sunday's Rea...

I think this is so cool: "Even more descriptive a...

I tried calling in to "Reasons for Faith" today, b...