26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Numbers 11:25-29
Psalm 18:8.10.12-14
James 5:1-6
Mark 9:38-43.47-48

"DON'T STOP THEM"

We usually call outsiders those who do not belong to us. Thus, we tend to exclude them, discriminate against them and try to monopolize everything. In a similar way, we try to cage God and set boundaries to the action of the Holy Spirit. Hence, today’s readings warn us against exclusivism and elitism.

In the first reading, Joshua asked Moses to stop Eldad and Medad from prophesying in the camp because they were not in the Tent of Meeting with the elders. Moses rebuked him and expressed his wish that God would give his Spirit to all the people so that they might prophesy (Nbers 11:25-29).

Similarly, John reported to Jesus that they had tried to stop a man from casting out devils in Jesus’ name, because the man was not one of them. Jesus condemned such attitude and asked them not to stop the man. He went on to warn them against being a scandal or obstacle to any of the little ones (Mark 9:38-43.47-48).

The temptation of trying to cage God is great among Christians. We tend to look down on those who do not belong to our church; we criticize them; we condemn and reject them. This is also true with regard to the various associations and prayer groups within the church. We claim others are wrong and we are right. We monopolize everything.
We are like the rich men to whom St James addresses in the second reading. They claim to have immense wealth. They oppress and cheat the poor. They become obstacle to the growth and well-being of others. But God will not keep silent (James 5:1-6).

Let us not forget therefore that God is the Father of all. He is free; and his Spirit is like the wind that “blows where it chooses” (John 3:8). We cannot therefore monopolize his grace. Neither can we set boundaries to the action of the Holy Spirit. May our belonging to Christ make us more open to others and distinguish ourselves through our charity towards all. Amen

25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 2:12.17-20
Psalm 53
James 3:16—4:3
Mark 9:30-37

I WANT TO BE GREAT

Every human being aspires to achieve greatness. In our homes, churches, workplaces, in politics and public institutions, everyone wants to be promoted and be “the boss”, to be in the high position, to have power. But many have achieved greatness through the wrong way. Out of hatred, some have made a name for themselves through the killing of innocent and good people. For the life of the good person is a threat to their own malicious ambitions and evil living (Wisdom 2:12.17-20). For St James, in the second reading, the root of our fightings, quarrels and wars as well as some shameful actions lie in jealousy and our selfish ambitions (James 3:16—4:3)

When Jesus became aware of the argument among his disciples about who was the greatest among them, he told them: “If anyone wishes to be first, he must be the last and slave of all”. For Jesus therefore, greatness is achieved through humble service to others, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.  This is what the symbol of the little child placed in the midst of the disciples tells us (Mark 9:30-37). It is not so much about the innocence of the little child, but rather about the vulnerability of the child. Here the child represents those who have no social status, no say, no power, no influence; a person who can easily be controlled, abused or neglected.

Therefore, when we set aside our jealousy and envy, our evil driven desires and selfish concerns and become welcoming, tender, kind, loving, humble and serving others, especially the vulnerable, we will be great. Like St Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa, to mention but a few, who achieved their greatness through selfless service to the poor, sick, elderly people and vulnerable, let us seek the good and welfare of the little ones. As the Pope said in his homily at his inaugural Mass: “Let us not forget that authentic power is service." May God bless and keep all of us.
Amen

24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 50:5-9
Psalm 114
James 2:14-18
Mark 8:27-35

               SUFFERING TO GLORY

Today's readings give us many tracts for meditation. For St James in the second reading, a faith without deeds is dead. The first reading is one of the four songs of the prophet Isaiah that describe the astonishing figure of the suffering servant. What characterizes this suffering servant in today's passage is his trusting faith in God who can save him  in the midst of suffering, opposition and rejection (Is. 50:5-9).

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy through his passion, death and resurrection, as he himself announced in today's gospel. When Simon Peter professed that Jesus is the Messiah, (that is, the Anointed One), he was probably thinking of a political leader who would free the Jews from Roman domination, and not of a suffering Saviour. Hence he began to rebuke Jesus when he predicted his suffering and death.

Peter's misconception about Jesus is still present in our own days. Many of us dream of following Jesus, but lose sight of the way of the cross. Some preach a prosperity gospel, that is a gospel without suffering and pain. However, we must know that a life without suffering is an illusion. And being a Christian without accepting the cross is to follow a caricature of Jesus.

What makes the difference is our patience and endurance amidst pain and suffering, opposition and apparent failures, crosses and trials.
May the Lord help us bear patiently our daily crosses and follow him. Amen.

23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 35: 4-7
Psalm 146: 7.8-10
James 2: 1-5
Mark 7: 31-37

EPHPHATHA: BE OPENED

It is a terrible experience to have an impediment in one of the five senses. Thus, having a listening and speech impediment is as terrible as being unable to live and share the Word of God that one listens to everyday. Today’s first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah is a word of hope and encouragement to the faint-hearted and the physically challenged. They should be strong and have no fear, for the Lord comes to heal, restore and liberate them (Isaiah 35:4-7).

In the gospel, Jesus heals a deaf and dumb man in a pagan territory, the Decapolis. This made great his reputation among the people of the area: “He has done all things well,” the people said.  Thus, the more Jesus ordered them not to tell others about this healing miracle, the more they were excited to proclaim it and glorified God (Mark 7:31-37).

Though we may not be physically deaf and dumb, we may close our ears and hearts to the Word of God. When we do not concentrate when the Word of God is being proclaimed in Church, when we fail to listen to the cries of the poor and needy around us, or to the groaning of the sick and the suffering, we are spiritually deaf. As such, we need the “Ephphatha ritual.” We need the healing touch of Jesus so as to listen to the Word of God and put it into practice.

Besides, we may convince ourselves that we are not dumb. But once we cannot share our faith with others, we are spiritually dumb. If we cannot proclaim the truth that liberates men, we are dumb. If we cannot speak out against the injustices, corruption, inequalities and discriminations in our homes, churches, workplaces and communities, just as St James does in the second reading, we are dumb (James 2:1-5).

Therefore, we must change our attitudes, share our faith and speak out against the social evils of our time. This way, we will truly enjoy the freedom and liberation offered to us by Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen

22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Deuteronomy 4:1-2.6-8 
Psalm 14 
James 1:17…27 
Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23

TRUE RELIGION

The readings of today invite us to mediate on what is true religion. In the first reading, Moses tells the people of Israel that God is ever close to his people. His immutable laws are not to oppress man but rather to guarantee his freedom and make God’s people great. What distinguishes therefore God’s people is the obedience to such life-giving and liberating laws. People thus will marvel at the wisdom and prudence that characterize the life of God’s people.

All good things come from God and are meant to help us on our way of salvation. Thus, our salvation does not simply depend on our being baptized, being a member of a church, going to church on Sunday, listening to the Word of God. It does depend heavily on how we put into practice the Word of God. In such a way, we should not be just listeners but doers of the Word. This is true religion (second reading).

True religion therefore consists in loving, forgiving, sharing, showing compassion and going to the aid of the needy. Such practices come from the heart and make man holy. In the same way, negative thinking and evil deeds come from the heart, and make man unholy. It is only when we allow the Word of God to transform our way of life that we can become true worshippers of God.  External observance of the ritual purity is good, but when it is divorced from the heart, it leads to hypocrisy (gospel reading).

It is evident that unless we build a personal relationship with the Lord and care for our fellow human beings with a genuine and sincere heart, all our “religion” is sterile end lip-service. May the Lord fill our hearts with genuine love for him and for our brothers and sisters. Amen