1st READING
This text from the Old Testament is sometimes used to explain the suffering of Jesus. It is hard to associate wisdom with suffering but once you reflect on it, you will see the connection. Commitment to the truth means standing against prevailing trends and becoming unpopular. Are we willing to stand by the truth of the Gospel?
Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
12 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. 17 Let us see whether his words be true; let us find out what will happen to him. 18 For if the just one be the Son of God, God will defend him and deliver him from the hand of his foes. 19 With revilement and torture let us put him to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience. 20 Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him.
P S A L M
Psalm 54:3-4, 5, 6, 8
R: The Lord upholds my life.
1 [3] O God, by your name save me, and by your might defend my cause. 2 [4] O God, hear my prayer; hearken to the words of my mouth. (R) 3 [5] For the haughty men have risen up against me, the ruthless seek my life; they set not God before their eyes. (R) 4 [6] Behold, God is my helper; the Lord sustains my life. 6 [8] Freely will I offer you sacrifice; I will praise your name, O Lord, for its goodness. (R)
2ND READING
James reminds us to keep our passions in check. When they are out of control, sin runs riot. We need to be watchful of our passions because they tend to overpower our genuine desires and lead us astray. James invites us to reflect on how wars happen, why envy and murderous thoughts so often plague our minds. Sadly, we let our passions get the better of us and this leads to conflict.
James 3:16-4:3
16 Beloved: Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. 4:1 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? 2 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. 3 You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
GOSPEL
No matter how great we may be in this world, our greatness pales in comparison with that of Jesus. In today’s Gospel, we see the disciples argue about bragging rights among them. Do we also seek the same thing in our ministries? Let us outdo one another in love, and leave the question of greatness in God’s hands.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
God has called us through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mark 9:30-37
30 Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. 31 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 the Son of Man will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. 33 They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. 35 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.” 36 Taking a child he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it he said to them, 37 “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.”
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