|
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Theme: The discipleship of service, like children. Probably set in the context of the modern bustling city of Alexandria of 100 BC, there is a hint that the virtuous who remain true to the Covenant, and to the practices of their religion, are being tested, entrapped or condemned, by the unfaithful ones, who finding the ways of this trading city more attractive, and exciting, forsake the true ways of their faith. This text prepares us to hear the gospel for this day, where Jesus, the Just One, will be delivered into the hands of the authorities, by those jealous of his influence. Second reading from the Letter of James 3 : 16 - 4 : 3 The ‘teacher’ is the ‘wise person.’ Here James sets out the nature of Christian wisdom, and the nature of the disciple and teacher. In contrast with the fruits of holiness, which are marked by kindness, compassion, and peace, James reminds his readers of the jealousies and ambition in people’s hearts that only bring discord, even death, as people fight to get their own way and fulfil their own desires. The wise disciples,on the other hand are the “Peacemakers, when they work for peace, sow seeds which will bear fruit in holiness.” Gospel according to Mark 9 : 30 - 37 Jesus continues to instruct his disciples in the true nature of discipleship., about how, “the Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again..but they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.” Not only are the disciples, like their Master, to expect rejection, false accusation, and even death, but they are also given details of another aspect of discipleship. Rather than argue about who is to be greatest, Jesus tells them, “If anyone wants to be first..he must first make himself last of all and the servant of all.” Jesus would have his disciples behave like the child that he sets down in front of them. Mark today presents us with the challenge to be simple, trusting and energetic in discipleship, just like the children. © Peter Harrison 2000 Liturgical Note: Harvest Thanksgiving Many pastoral communities, to mark the bringing in of the harvest hold special celebrations today, or at some other convenient time. The CAFOD Harvest Family Fast Day is on Friday 6th October.
|
