September 23, 2012

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

First Reading: Wisdom 2:12,17-20

   The wicked say: Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us; he sets himself against our doings, reproaches us for transgressions of the law and charges us with violations of our training. Let us see whether his words be true; let us find out what will happen to him. For if the just one be the son of God, he will defend him and deliver him from the hand of his foes. With revilement and torture let us put him to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience. Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him.

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Second Reading: James 3:16-4:3

   Beloved, where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

Gospel Reading: Mark 9:30-37

   Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death he will rise." But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." Taking a child he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it he said to them, "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."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus 

   The disciples were like students in a classroom. They did not understand yet they did not question to clarify or verify the saying. They were also afraid to question the master. When they themselves were questioned by the master they remained silent. The disciples were in a different world altogether. Master – student relationship was the same even in those days.
   Jesus did not leave his students (disciples) ignorant rather he took special tuition for them. The lives which they were trying to live had different values. They were learning a different subject, different life-style and were having different goal in life. Worldly ideas and values would not fit into the system which Jesus was trying to communicate to them. The disciples had to understand and accept that humility and service were essentials for Jesus and his kingdom.