Daily Readings - Thu May 24 2018
James
1Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.2Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten.3Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.4Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.5You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.6You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
Mark
41For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.42"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.43And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.44See Footnote45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.46See Footnote47And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell,48'where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.'49For everyone will be salted with fire.50Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."
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.