In light of his upcoming ordination as Cardinal, Archbishop Dominique Joseph Mathieu of Tehran calls for a renewed commitment to peace. Reflecting on the warmth and resilience of the Iranian people, Archbishop Mathieu urges the global community to seek unity through genuine dialogue. He emphasizes that true reconciliation requires courage, as well as the abandonment of divisive ambitions, to foster fraternity and peace, especially in a region scarred by ongoing conflict.
In her teachings on prayer, St. Teresa of Ávila emphasized “determined determination” as an unwavering commitment to journey with God. This is more than a simple intention; it is a resolute decision to follow the path of prayer and surrender wholeheartedly, embracing all challenges. Teresa’s path is a dynamic ascent in prayer, from vocal prayer to the profound union of spiritual marriage with Christ, reflecting a life dedicated to love and service of God and neighbor.
Every human life is a pilgrimage, a journey toward God, the ultimate source of hope. As pilgrims, we traverse stony paths with hope anchored in faith and love, knowing that our true homeland is in heaven (Phil 3:20). Hopeful love moves us to live fully in the present, trusting God and serving others along the way. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today to love Jesus.”
In today’s Gospel, Bartimaeus’ healing reminds us that spiritual blindness can keep us from seeing God’s plan of goodness. His story invites us to cast aside anything that holds us back, follow Christ courageously, and love others as He loves. Like Bartimaeus, we are called not just to receive sight but to journey “along the way” with Jesus, walking in faith, hope, and love.
In the encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46-52), we see a journey from blindness to faith. Bartimaeus symbolizes the disciple who, through inner dissatisfaction with a life of darkness, cries out to Jesus for healing. His encounter with Christ transforms him, as he throws off his old life like a discarded mantle and embraces the light of discipleship.
Hope is more than just optimism—it is a theological virtue that orients us towards eternal life. In Christian life, hope helps us persevere, uniting faith and charity in our journey towards God. As we walk through the challenges of this life, hope guides us to work for justice, love our neighbors, and look forward to eternal joy with God.
St. Isidore of Seville (c. 560–636), hailed as the “last scholar of the ancient world,” was a bishop, educator, and defender of the faith during a turbulent period of Visigothic rule. He merged Christian and classical knowledge, combating Arianism while fostering unity among Spain’s diverse populations. His most famous work, Etymologiae, preserved much of ancient learning, influencing education throughout the Middle Ages. Isidore also explored the tension between active service and contemplative prayer, offering insights still relevant to Christian life today.
The Korean Missionary Society (KMS) celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of spreading the Gospel worldwide. Founded in 1975, KMS embodies the spirit of missio ad gentes, sending missionaries to support the apostolate in nine countries. As the Korean Church reflects on this milestone amidst heightened tensions with North Korea, the focus remains on hope, peace, and continuing the mission of reconciliation.
The history of Israel stands as a profound mystery among the ancient peoples. Despite conquests, dispersion, and relentless persecution, Israel has retained its identity. Michel-Yves Bolloré and Olivier Bonnassies explore this enigma in God, Science, Evidence — The Dawn of a Revolution, noting that while ancient cultures disappeared, Israel endured—resisting both idolatry and assimilation. St. Paul describes this mystery, saying, “God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable.” Equally mysterious is the new people born from Israel—the Church, transcending borders and uniting all in Christ.
This Sunday’s Gospel explores the human desire for power. Jesus teaches His disciples—and us—that true greatness comes not from authority or dominance, but from service and sacrificial love. We are called to sublimate our natural drives for power, pleasure, and possessions for nobler purposes. Jesus exemplifies this through His life, urging us to transform authority into humble service.