Readings: Sirach 5:1-8, Psalm 1:1-2,3, 4 and 6, 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. And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.” (Mark 9:42-43)
- Amongst the personal friends of Jesus, there was a particular group of persons that He treated with so much care and delicacy; a group that He always wanted around him and would rebuke those who tried to stop them from flocking around him. These special friends of Jesus were the little children.
- Why was Jesus very concerned about the little ones? Children are the future. If you fail to properly educate one child, at least morally, you literally destroy an entire generation. For Jesus, leading one child astray through bad example is such a grievous crime deserving of death by drowning with a millstone hung around one’s neck.
- On the other hand, whatever good is done to the little ones for the sake of Christ (even if it is as little as a cup of water given to quench the child’s thirst) never goes unrewarded. In another passage, Jesus mentions that every child has a guardian angel who is always before God’s presence on that child’s behalf. (See Matthew 18:10).
- Children are not only fragile, but they are very fast learners. When you think a child does not understand what is happening or that he or she is too small to pick up a bad habit or behaviour, you are wrong. Children are more intelligent and smarter than we think they are. It is easy to “spoil” a child, to scandalise an innocent mind forever.
- Most of us were destroyed as kids, even unintentionally, by adults who were “simply living their lives” and especially by adults who were hypocrites. Nothing affects a child’s sense of morality as much as telling him or her that so and so is bad only for the child to catch you doing it. Children are very quick in detecting pretence; their minds work like police detectives. They know when you are lying and quickly learn to lie.
- You cannot give what you don’t have. The only key to avoiding falling into the sin of scandalising children is to avoid sin. If you want your children to be saints, be willing to cut off your hands and feet and pluck out your eyes (take out all sources of sin in your environment).
- The fact that God is merciful and slow to anger does not mean there is no Judgement Day. Sirach warns: “Do not delay to turn to the Lord, nor postpone it from day to day; for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will go forth, and at the time of punishment you will perish.” (Sirach 5:7). In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus adds: “It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” (Mark 9:47-48)
- Today’s First reading ends with this statement: “Do not depend on dishonest wealth, for it will not benefit you in the day of calamity.” (Sirach 5:8). Life has never been this difficult, especially in this part of the world. People can barely afford what they used to take for granted. The devil knows there is hunger in the land, so he never stops suggesting the “easy route.”
- As Adam and Eve regretted eating the forbidden tree, dishonest wealth will bring you regret, sorrow and shame. It is better to be poor and at peace with God than sell your soul to the devil. It is better to enter heaven with one eye than be thrown into hell with both eyes.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to live saintly lives so that we may not lead the little ones astray. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday Week 7 In Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Sirach 5:1-8, Psalm 1:1-2,3, 4 and 6, Mark 9:41-50).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu