Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time— September 26, 2021 Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14 (9a); James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 While our readings last Sunday encouraged us to be humble and on guard against pridefulness, this week we are cautioned against developing an attitude of superiority. As we grow deeper in faith we can easily be tempted to think we know the way, the truth and the light. We can convince ourselves that we have all the answers and close ourselves off to alternative ways of viewing things. Jesus’ call is not to exclusivity and judgement but to discernment. He calls us to better know and understand Him each and every day and to come ever closer and intimately aware of His unconditional love for us. We are called to recognize that the Holy Spirit is always at work not only in our life but in the lives of others who seek to know the love of God. Jesus invites us to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit that may come through the inspirations of others. We are reminded that ‘different’ is not automatically ‘wrong’ and that others will find comfort in expressing their faith in ways that glorify God. As we encounter differences we are encouraged to hold it up against the teaching of Christ to attempt to discern, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, whether what is being shared is consistent with the Gospel and if can help us to better appreciate the full nature of the love of God. It can be very challenging to avoid reacting judgmentally when confronted with differences in philosophy, belief and behavior. Yet we are invited to sit with Jesus as His disciples did so many times and seek His guidance and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Let us ask for the grace to avoid feelings of superiority and to open ourselves to the opportunities we have to learn, to understand Jesus more fully and to be guided more deeply by the Holy Spirit. For further reflection on respecting the dignity of others and on avoiding the scandal of sin, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2284-2287. For further reflection on the role of the Laity in the Church, see Lumen Gentium, The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church from the Second Vatican Council, sections 30-42.
What demons in my own life do I need to cast out in order to get closer to God? What do I need to be most vigilant about to avoid scandalizing others?
As a Catholic Christian I am called to be an active and attractive imitator of Christ. Is my faith in God a private one or would I consider my faith active? Am I proud to call myself Catholic? How can I exercise greater responsibility for sharing the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith?
We are called to go out and make disciples of all nations by how we live our faith. How can I reach out to be co-responsible with our priests and religious at sharing Christ’s teaching? What can I do to promote unity over division in my home? My community? The parish?