Walking with Jesus: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Sunday, September 15, 2024

Isaiah 50:5-9, James 2:14-18, Mark 8:27-35

An interesting question pops up in today’s readings: Is there a simple and authentic way of Christian living? More questions: Is there any cost in being a disciple of Jesus? Does being a Christian involve a change in how I live and interact with people? Can’t I just follow my own specific religious devotions that I have been doing for years — isn’t that enough? I’m not called to be a missionary, nor go into religious life; can’t I just live normally like everyone else? Can’t I just worship Jesus the way I want, in the way it appeals to me? I’m a quiet, reserved person; do I have to do more to be recognized as a Christian and follower of Jesus?

These are very good questions — usually ones we do not ask ourselves. Why not? Perhaps one might feel that religion is personal and the way I practice it is up to me. Or maybe I don’t want to find out if there is a right way to live it, because I could doing it the “wrong way” and I don’t want to change. I think many times we like to stay in our ignorance because it is comfortable to remain in the “status quo” along with the majority of people. The question I can so easily avoid is: What did Jesus teach, and what did He say about how I am to live to be His follower? Many years ago there was a catchy acronym: WWJD? Remember it? “What Would Jesus Do?” Are we drifting away from this? Or are we avoiding addressing the question as we live our lives as Jesus’ believers and followers?

Once again, today's Scripture passages help us address our lives as Jesus’ followers.

Today’s passage from Isaiah is considered one of the four Servant Songs that describe the “servant” as the one God chooses to “bring justice to the nations” [Isaiah 42:1] and “to lead back the people of Israel” to God [Isaiah 49:5] ... and today, “See, the Lord God is my help, who will prove me wrong?” [Isaiah 50:9] Today, the servant speaks in the first person about his obedient service to God. God calls him as a disciple and he answers God’s call. As a result he is mocked, which really is the worst type of displeasure from one from whom we expect hope. Here the “servant” is beaten, shamed and abused — yet he endures the violence knowing God will vindicate him in the long run. The servant takes credit for nothing; he is totally dependent on God. God is on his side. Do we realize that God is also on our side? That He created each of us out of love and continues to love and support us, leading us closer to Himself and heaven each day? Do I listen? Do I doubt? Am I afraid? God is with me!

In Psalm 116, the author shares that he praises God because God has consistently rescued the psalmist from trouble. The exact nature of the trouble is not listed. How about you? Take a moment and reflect on the “trouble” you’ve been in and, after saying a quick prayer, have been rescued, loved, forgiven! Were you grateful to God? Can you make this part of your prayer life?

It seems a misunderstanding has arisen in James’ church regarding the nature of true faith. Some are satisfied with an accurate belief articulated in orthodox doctrine. James insists that genuine faith must be practical and expressed in action. Practically, can faith save? No — it is hollow if it does not express itself in action. If the people in front of me, next door, or close by are desperately in need of food and clothing, they don’t need a lecture on living correctly — they need food and care. Love is practical and must be shown so that people know I’m living Jesus’ command of love. Am I?

In Mark, Jesus asks the disciple what people are saying about Him: Who do they think He is? Notice that it is only after Peter proclaims that He is the Christ that Jesus foretells His suffering, death, and resurrection. Only then does Jesus test Peter’s faith and elaborate on his and the others’ vision of the Messiah as one coming out of the clouds and solving all problems. He tells them He will be rejected, suffer and die, but will rise again. Not only that, but also that those who follow Him will have to follow the same path of suffering. This is a hard statement. It’s not a plushy job — the poor are everywhere; those in need are in need; there's hurting, and people who need comfort and compassion. Our prayers are needed along with cleansing and bandaging the wounds. Am I living a faith that cares and is compassionate? Messianic expectations and life in heaven are not idle speculations — they are among of the parameters of our worldview: part of the reason God placed me here, at this time, to share His gifts with me so I can share them with others.

So I reflect on:

• When I hear stories of violence and war, I’m frozen and overcome with grief and powerlessness. God does not want me to give up. How can I live the Psalm response, “I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living” [Psalm 116:9]?
• Think about this: Lord, please open my ears, my mouth, my hands and my heart to help others today!

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“Jesus called His disciples by name into a personal relationship with Him. Knowing, loving and serving Him was central to the mission He shared with them. May we be prophetic in announcing Jesus as the Messiah amid the many discordant voices of this age.”