Walking with Jesus: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20; James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37

Sometimes it’s good to use the proper words to identify our purpose on Earth and the way we should proceed. Sometimes our search for understanding is more about asking the right question than discovering the right answer. We are in a faith ballgame trying to be a winner. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, the prophetic writer speaks about a “just one” who not only knows the ways of God but also makes every effort to live according to them. The author contrasts this person with the “wicked” who are oppressing the poor and pious, and who aren't afraid of divine justice while seemingly trying to understand why these “righteous ones” believe what they do. Should the wicked test them to find out if they're right? James ponders that if they do, won’t they find out that jealousy and selfishness is part of their “modus operandi,” whereas the “righteous” are peaceable, gentle, full of mercy and strive to cultivate peace? He pinpoints the problem, saying that wars that ignite in our homes and in our relationships have their origins in the human heart. It is our passions that, when given free rein, ignite all sorts of bitter clashes which never want to be resolved.

So is faith learning about the academic side of the study of God and Scripture? Or is it about looking at the crucifix and asking why God just loves us? Why did He give His life for me? The disciples want somehow to be attached to the “worldly power” that they think the true Messiah will bring them. They fail to perceive the larger meaning: Divine power is not made evidence in the same way human power usually is. Jesus calls a child … maybe putting the little one in His lap with hugging arms, saying, “Whoever receives one child such as this in My name, receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but the One who sent Me.” [Mark 9:37] The note in the Catholic Study Bible states: “Mark probably intends this incident and the sayings that follow as commentary on the disciples’ lack of understanding. Their role in Jesus’ work is one of service, especially to the poor and lowly. Children were the symbol Jesus used for the anawim, the poor in spirit, the lowly in the Christian community.” A reflection:

Genuine greatness doesn’t pursue control, but rather seeks to serve. Serve the child who is the least among us, and you serve the greatest.

The message of the Book of Wisdom is that the truly wise in this world choose to serve the Lord. Am I living this way now? In some areas? In many areas? In enough areas? Today’s passage compares those who are on the way to eternal life to those who are “ungodly,” who not only have chosen the path that leads to death, but also are determined to remain on the wrong path. They deceive themselves into thinking I'm right. They feel that there is nothing beyond the experiences and joys of this world. They do not feel or care that God made them for immortality. They fail to see that justice, patience, gentleness, forgiveness and trust in God are strengths that belong to God’s faithful servants. Am I enlisted as one of God’s faithful servants?

James tells us that the wisdom that comes from God is that which fosters peace. How do I see this? God’s way is found in one’s mercy, gentleness and sincerity. It is not about the “me” but the “other.” My worldly obsessions and passions which consistently lead to conflict are not freeing but enslaving … the total opposite of love, care, compassion, forgiveness. Which path am I on?

Jesus continues to instruct His disciples on His future fate of suffering, dying and resurrection. Jesus makes this prediction and the disciples misunderstand it again, and He teaches them what discipleship entails. Jesus is talking about His suffering and death and they are concerned with who is getting the “BIG POSITIONS” in Jesus’ new governing rule. Jesus shows such great patience. They just do not want to let go of the “hold” they have on having “power” … “possessions” hopefully … “pleasure” maybe … and prestige … why not? Is that what I want in my life now? If it is, am I on the right track or the wrong track? Is there another way? Jesus took a little child … who was on the lowest social ladder. The disciples thought that status was acquired when a child became an adult. Jesus teaches the reverse: Discipleship is not about status or position. Discipleship is about service. The disciple strives to be the least of all, which is what Jesus did when He suffered, died and rose for my salvation. Christ calls us to the simple faith of a child: to love without any conditions … with honesty, sincerity and faithfulness. A child embraces kindness, compassion, generosity and forgiveness. I have much to learn. Am I listening to God speaking through these little ones?

So I reflect on:

• When I wake up discouraged, disillusioned, feeling low…what little memories does God give me that get me moving … pick me up … give me courage ...? Do I see these coming from God?
• What kind of sadness does God feel when seeing my hard-headedness, bitterness? I feel He sees my potential in sending moments and people to break through to love me. Do I let this happen? Do I become a breakthrough person for another? Do I give what I receive?

Sacred Space 2021 states:

“Jesus could have eradicated evil from our world; He could have annihilated His enemies. It is a mystery to us that He chose another way. He endured all that the world threw at Him and responded to it with great love, and so He helps us cope with our misery. Though that is admirable, however, it is not enough. So in warning His disciples about His passion, note that He always adds in His resurrection. In the Gospels, there is no passion without resurrection. Suffering and death are linked solidly to life after death. The two are opposite sides of the one coin. Evil plays out its role and is finally encompassed by eternal life and joy. God has the last word: Divine love conquers all.”