Daily Readings - Sun Sep 19 2021
James
16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
1From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?2Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.3Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Mark
30And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.31For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.32But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.33And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?34But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.35And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.36And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,37Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on suffering, conflict, and humility. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom describes the wicked plotting against the just man, highlighting the age-old theme of the persecution of the righteous. The just man’s reproach of sin and his faith in God’s deliverance provoke the wicked to test him through suffering. This passage reminds us that the righteous often face trials because their very existence challenges the sinful ways of the world.
The second reading from the Letter of James sheds light on the origins of conflict and division. James explains that wars and quarrels arise from our own selfish desires and envy. True wisdom, he tells us, is pure, peaceful, and merciful. This wisdom is not about personal gain or power but about sowing peace and justice in our relationships. James calls us to examine our own hearts and to recognize that our struggles often come from within.
In the Gospel, Mark presents Jesus teaching his disciples about true greatness. After predicting his own suffering and resurrection, Jesus finds his disciples arguing about who is the greatest. He responds by placing a child in their midst and declaring that receiving a child in his name is receiving him and the Father. This teaching upends the world’s notion of power and status, showing that true greatness lies in humility and service. Jesus calls us to embrace a life of selflessness and to recognize the dignity of all, especially the vulnerable.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they challenge us in our daily lives. Are we willing to embrace humility and serve others, or do we find ourselves caught up in envy and the pursuit of power? Let us ask for the grace to cultivate the wisdom from above, which is marked by peace, meekness, and mercy. May we learn to see Christ in the least among us and to follow his example of self-giving love.