Daily Readings - Thu May 24 2018
James
1Act now, you who are wealthy! Weep and wail in your miseries, which will soon come upon you2Your riches have been corrupted, and your garments have been eaten by moths3Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be a testimony against you, and it will eat away at your flesh like fire. You have stored up wrath for yourselves unto the last days4Consider the pay of the workers who reaped your fields: it has been misappropriated by you; it cries out. And their cry has entered into the ears of the Lord of hosts5You have feasted upon the earth, and you have nourished your hearts with luxuries, unto the day of slaughter6You led away and killed the Just One, and he did not resist you
Mark
41For whoever, in my name, will give you a cup of water to drink, because you belong to Christ: Amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward42And whoever will have scandalized one of these little ones who believe in me: it would be better for him if a great millstone were placed around his neck and he were thrown into the sea43And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off: it is better for you to enter into life disabled, than having two hands to go into Hell, into the unquenchable fire44where their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished45But if your foot causes you to sin, chop it off: it is better for you to enter into eternal life lame, than having two feet to be cast into the Hell of unquenchable fire46where their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished47But if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out: it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into the Hell of fire48where their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished49For all shall be salted with fire, and every victim shall be salted with salt50Salt is good: but if the salt has become bland, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace among yourselves.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about justice, accountability, and the call to live with integrity. The first reading from James directs a stern warning to those who have exploited others for wealth and luxury, reminding them that their actions have consequences. James emphasizes that true faith cannot coexist with injustice; it demands that we care for the marginalized and uphold fairness in all our dealings. The Gospel from Mark complements this by highlighting the importance of protecting the vulnerable and avoiding actions that might lead others astray. Jesus uses vivid imagery to stress the seriousness of sin and the need for radical self-denial to follow him faithfully.
Both readings, though written in different contexts, share a common theme: the call to live in a way that reflects God’s justice and love. James addresses the social inequalities of his time, while Mark focuses on the personal and communal responsibility to uphold moral integrity. Together, they remind us that our actions have ripple effects, impacting not only our own souls but also the lives of those around us. The readings challenge us to examine how we treat others, especially those who are weaker or more vulnerable, and to consider whether our choices align with the values of the kingdom of God.
As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: How do I use the resources and opportunities I have? Do I contribute to the well-being of others, or do I prioritize my own interests at their expense? The moral lesson is clear: authentic faith is not just about belief but about living in a way that reflects God’s justice and compassion. May we strive to be salt that brings flavor to the world, preserving and enhancing the lives of those around us, and may we have the courage to make sacrifices that align our lives more closely with Christ’s teachings.