Daily Readings - Thu May 24 2018
James
1Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.2Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.3Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.4Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.5You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.6You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.
Mark
41I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.42"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.44Verse omitted from the New International Version45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.46Verse omitted from the New International Version47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,48where "'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'49Everyone will be salted with fire.50"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."
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.