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. 

Popular posts from this blog

Third Sunday of Lent [C]

Image
  THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT [C] You’ve heard the expression: Don’t go there!! Essentially that’s what we’re hearing from Jesus in the Gospel of Luke chapter thirteen. The disciples are being warned not to speculate. Yes, a tower did collapse in Siloam (a district located just south of Jerusalem). Yes, eighteen people died as a result. And yes, the reports are true about a council of Galilean conspirators; they have been apprehended and they also have been put to death.  For your part, you’re thinking this has to do with unconfessed sin. You’re seeing two cases of divine retribution. These untimely deaths have occurred because transgressions were being committed. I’m saying: Think again!! Concentrate on your own transgressions, your own level of culpability! The call for repentance is universal. It’s not as if your purity exceeds the purity of those who died in Siloam or those who died at the hands of Pilate (see Luke 13:1-9).   In other words, don’t act superior; don’t ...
Read more

Fourth Sunday of Lent [C]

Image
  FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT [C] Perhaps you’ve seen the character “Dr. Jekyll” portrayed on film. The performance of Frederic March stands out (1931), along with the performance of John Barrymore (1920). Prior to appearing on screen, the character first appears as the subject of a Gothic novel, a novel authored by Robert Louis Stevenson (1886). He presents Henry Jekyll as a physician, who enjoys spending time in the laboratory, conducting experiments. The day arrives when he conducts a particular risky experiment—upon himself. As a result, suddenly he’s changing. Before long, he establishes himself as his own worst enemy. His savage persona will become known as “Mr. Hyde.”  The two identities contend with each other, vying for supremacy. The cycle continues to repeat itself, until the story brings us to a tragic ending—typical within the category of Gothic fiction.  Your heart goes out to Dr. Jekyll. It’s a tormenting experience when you find that you are acting as your own w...
Read more

Fifth Sunday of Lent [C]

Image
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT [C] Jesus wins a reprieve for the woman caught in adultery. He sends her on her way with the words: “sin no more” (John 8:11). Does she comply? We don’t know. But let’s suppose that she does comply; she takes the message to heart. What will this signify? As far as St. Paul is concerned, this signifies a type of liberation. She’s no longer carrying the burden of sin. Now she can run freely. In pursuit of what? Paul refers to it as “the finish line” (Phil. 3:14, original NAB translation). It’s “the prize” (revised NAB translation). In other words, it’s something very desirable, something appealing. It’s appealing in the same way that a river would hold appeal for someone journeying in the desert (see Isaiah 43:16-19). Isaiah looks forward to the day when God will transform the desert into a place of vitality. A river will be released, providing satisfaction for those who are in need of refreshment. God has had enough of the old; now a new plan will be unfolding....
Read more