Readings: James 5:1-6, Ps. 49:14-20, Mark 9:41-50
“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.” (Mark 9:42)
In today’s first reading, St. James tells us it is better to be poor than to enjoy stolen riches. We steal by refusing to pay our workers their just wages or by living in luxury (wastefulness) while millions suffer extreme poverty. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus highlights the danger of scandal by saying it is better to be dead than to be the source of scandal for little ones (innocent minds). It is better to be without eyes and feet if that is what it would take to avoid sin. As the salt of the earth, we ought to sanitise the world (preserve morality and show good examples), but when we fail, we become good for nothing. Let us now examine these lessons in detail:
1. Everybody is Not Doing It: To avoid being a source of scandal to anyone, know that there are still a lot of innocent minds in the world. Many still have such pristine ideas of holiness, and those whose faith has not been defiled by bad examples and sinful behaviours. Often, the devil wants us to believe that everybody is bad, corrupt, immoral or compromised. Be careful because you do not know who is watching you. Even if you do not see anything wrong in a particular act, remember that some people’s conscience will be affected if they see you doing it. St. Paul would tell us: “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up.” (1 Corinthians 10:23). Do not be the reason for another person’s downfall or immoral conduct. They will suffer for their sins, but you will also share in the blame. Why should you be the devil’s instrument for the destruction of others?
2. Little Drops Make Mighty Oceans: In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus assures us that even the smallest acts of kindness do not go unnoticed by God. He says that whoever gives a cup of water to a Christian because they bear the name of Christ will not go without being rewarded. This means that the little things we do, good or bad, are significant to God. God sees everything, even those done in secret, and He rewards us accordingly. You cannot make the world a better place in one day, so get used to making the right choices and do whatever good you can now, even if it is as small as picking up a sharp object off the floor so it doesn’t injure someone. No one may thank you, but God will score it for you in heaven.
3. Stop Blaming the Devil and Face Your Demons: Every man is his greatest enemy. The battle against sin starts from within our hearts. As Jesus said: “What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.” (Mark 7:18-22). A few days ago, St. James told us that what causes wars among us is our unchecked desires. If we do not conquer these desires, we become slaves to our passions. We live in a world where nothing is secret; as such, every sin you commit is already a source of scandal to another. Hence, to live above sin, we must take proactive steps by cutting off the sources of temptation around us. This is what Jesus means by the saying: “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off…”
4. Live A Good Life and strive to fulfil all Righteousness. The World Needs Salt: It is easy to be discouraged by the amount of evil happening in our society. Sometimes, you look around and feel like you are the only one doing the right thing. You even begin to wonder if something is wrong with you. Jesus says today: “Have salt in yourself.” Keep letting your light shine even if you are persecuted for doing so. For instance, every citizen of this country has a fair idea of what a good leader should do, but the problem is that we are not ready to be that leader. We want to continue in our evil ways, but we expect there is a saint, someone somewhere, who will solve all our problems. Look into the mirror and ask: “If not me, who else will do it?
5. Stolen Riches is Worse Than Poverty: The worst kind of robbery is getting people to work for you without paying them. It is understandable if you do not have the money to pay them, but if you can afford to waste that same money in a club (or at a party) while your workers go to bed with empty stomachs, you are an armed robber. St. James says: “Behold, the wages of the labourers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.” (James 5:4). There is nothing wrong with riches but if the means of acquiring it involves depriving others of what rightfully belongs to them, such riches only bring sorrow. Any ill-gotten wealth is a curse we bring upon ourselves. You must not be rich. Live a simple life; be contented with what you have. Today’s Psalm says: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom God.”
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to be exemplary in our conduct and treatment of others, especially our workers. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Thursday of week 7 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: James 5:1-6, Ps. 49:14-20, Mark 9:41-50).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu