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!
How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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?
How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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.
How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
He knows that wise men and fools must both perish
and leave their wealth to others.
How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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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A heart of love, not jealousy
“…we saw someone who is not one of us driving out devils in your name, and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him”. These words of John revealed the disciples’ inner jealousy towards the success of the “outsider” who was working for the good of others. Instead of rejoicing that this man was doing good, they were jealous of him. Jealousy continues to cause pain and separation in our parishes, faith communities, families, etc. We might have experienced being put down by others because others felt threatened by our ideas and initiatives. We might also have been the ones who compare ourselves with others and feel overly possessive about our areas of responsibility.
Today, let us recognise if jealousy is lurking in our hearts. Jealousy and envy lead us to compare ourselves with others. We must always work for communion, never division. May we ask for the grace to have a heart that is empty of jealousy but filled with love that can rejoice with others and appreciate the gifts of others.
Question for reflection:
Do I have the heart of love to recognise the goodness of my brothers and sisters?
Do I have the heart of love to recognise the goodness of my brothers and sisters?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
