25th Sunday of Ordinary Time [B]

 


25TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [B]


Scripture readings are proclaimed when we gather together at Mass. Sometimes the words we hear come across as words of affirmation. However, the words for this weekend reflect more of a critical tone. We can say this about what’s happening in the Book of Wisdom: it’s the kind of thing that shouldn’t be happening (see Wis. 2:12-21). How about what’s happening in the Book of James? Again, it’s something that shouldn’t be happening (see James 3:16–4:6). And the theme continues when we proceed into Mark chapter nine: this argument about status is, once again, something that shouldn’t be happening (Mk. 9:34). Jesus calls for a child to be brought forward (9:36-37). This is for the sake of contrast. According to Jesus, when you become child-like, you secure a place for yourself within the Kingdom. It’s all about becoming child-like—child-like rather than child-ish. 


You’re probably wondering about a plan of action. Perhaps the concept isn’t as clear as you would want it to be. How exactly am I supposed to become child-like? This question will hopefully be answered by way of a story. The residents of a small rural community are facing a severe crisis. They’ve determined that desperate times call for desperate measures: we need to organize a prayer rally. The word spreads, the crowd assembles, and the service is about to begin. At the last moment, a little girl suddenly arrives. She’s running late because it has occurred to her that it might be a good idea to bring an umbrella. She looks around and much to her surprise, she’s the only one carrying an umbrella. She finds this perplexing because the whole point of the rally…was to pray for rain. When you’re experiencing a drought, what do you do? You pray for rain. And the child-like spirit within you tells you that, if you’re praying for rain, then you might want to plan for an outpouring of rain. 

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