Reflection for 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection for 25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Sept. 19, 2021

Wisdom: 2:12, 17-20: This reading’s intensity and sobering effect on the reader comes from its being written in the voice and mindset of the wicked. Reflecting on the tone, there is a sense of hearing a demon’s rant against the Lord. This passage can be interpreted as a prophecy of Jesus’ Passion. It’s written with a tone of pride, jealousy and malice; all characteristics of the mindset of a wicked and evil person. After Jesus’ Passion and death, there were some who gloated and believed that they had “won”. However, they were soon proven to be wrong; as growing numbers of people experienced the victory of love over death, sometimes requiring martyrdom, rather than capitulation to the evil mission of the world and Jesus’ enemies. A consolation is that we know the “end of the story;” the growth of the Christian Church into a world civilization-saving entity. Love and sacrifice emerge victorious in the end, over pride, selfishness and hate.

Psalm 54: “The Lord upholds my life.” Interestingly, while the first reading is written from the perspective of the abuser, this psalm is written from the suffering victim, who, with confidence and faith, petitions God for rescue and help. Anti-Christian foes are described as haughty, ruthless and Godless. Such people are still among us; actively working to destroy the Church for their own benefit, so that they might achieve greater wealth, power and control. The psalmist recognizes God as his/her helper and acknowledges his/her total dependence upon God for life and salvation. The psalmist ends by offering sacrifice, suffering and petitions as an act of praise and worship to God. How beautiful, as compared to the dark and ugly outlook of the first reading.

James 3:16-4:3: In this spiritually instructive passage James contrasts the fruits of evil with the fruits of obedience and adherence to the Christian faith. The author notes how jealousy and selfish ambition bring disorder and a variety of other sins characterized by greed, violence, hatred and disunity. In contrast, the wisdom of obeying and adhering to the Christian faith and its principles are seen to bring purity, peace, gentleness, compliance and cooperation. Among other fruits acknowledged as the result of Christians’ goodness in living out the faith are societal peace, serenity, and a constant and sincere compassion that fosters the common good. The author concludes by noting the futility of evil and greed. The greedy and selfish individual is never satisfied or secure. They legitimately fear that other greedy individuals will harm them, via competition. Hence, the evil person is a slave to their passions, while the devout and faithful individual has a sense of both spiritual and temporal freedom and equanimity.

Mark 9:30-37: After the comparisons between the evil vs. saintly world views, we are given Jesus’ revelation to His disciples about His suffering and death. One would hope that they would listen intently and have questions and show a desire to learn more, but we’re told that they didn’t understand and that they were afraid to question Him.
The disciples’ fear of questioning Jesus shows their struggle with pride. They were so afraid of being seen as wrong… and thereby, humbled… that they didn’t question. Instead, feeding their pride and greed, they argued among themselves, whom among them was greatest. One might reasonably expect Jesus to be furious with them and greatly offended. Instead, He merely extols and radiates the virtue of humility. He enlightens them about the paradox of discipleship; that true greatness comes from self-denying service, not subjugation.

Let’s contemplate that! 
Deacon Matt