First reading James 4:13-17
You cannot know what will happen tomorrow
Here is the answer for those of you who talk like this: ‘Today or tomorrow, we are off to this or that town; we are going to spend a year there, trading, and make some money.’
You never know what will happen tomorrow: you are no more than a mist that is here for a little while and then disappears. The most you should ever say is: ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we shall still be alive to do this or that.’ But how proud and sure of yourselves you are now! Pride of this kind is always wicked. Everyone who knows what is the right thing to do and doesn’t do it commits a sin.
Responsorial Psalm 48(49):2-3,6-11
How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Hear this, all you peoples,
give heed, all who dwell in the world,
men both low and high,
rich and poor alike!
Why should I fear in evil days
the malice of the foes who surround me,
men who trust in their wealth,
and boast of the vastness of their riches?
For no man can buy his own ransom,
or pay a price to God for his life.
The ransom of his soul is beyond him.
He cannot buy life without end,
nor avoid coming to the grave.
He knows that wise men and fools must both perish
and leave their wealth to others.
Gospel Mark 9:38-40
You must not stop anyone from working miracles in my name
John said to Jesus, ‘Master, we saw a man who is not one of us casting out devils in your name; and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said, ‘You must not stop him: no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.’
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Being inclusive
The disciples answered Jesus’ call to follow Him and witnessed His miracles and work. They considered themselves as His close circle. Thus, they reacted negatively when they saw a man performing a miracle, and he was not one of them. Jesus corrected them, opening their minds to accept other people who did not belong to their group but were doing good works in His name.
Jesus wants us to be inclusive and value the goodness of others, even if they think differently or belong to different groups/faith communities. Wherever there is goodness and love, God is there, and we need to open our eyes to discover and value it. We should focus more on the good work done by others, even those with whom we disagree. Lord, sometimes I find it hard to accept the goodness of people simply because they do not belong to my group or faith. Help me to be more open to the goodness of others.
Reflective question:
Can I see God’s goodness in people’s life?
Can I see God’s goodness in people’s life?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
