Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 29, 2024

Date: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

At that time, John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us." Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eyethan with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'"

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today is actually two separate teachings. The first involves Jesus’ response to John who has tried to prevent another from good works because he wasn’t one of the designated disciples. Jesus corrects John and exhorts him to embrace the goodness of others, especially those who do good in Jesus’ name. The second section involves our responsibility to encourage and support faith in others. One of the ways we do this is fight against sin in our own lives and make the radical choices to free ourselves from sin.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I accept graciously the good work of others in Jesus’ name? Do I encourage others in their faith? Do I strive to remove sin from my own life?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, I lift my mind, my heart, my whole being to You in praise and thanksgiving for my life and for your love which gave me life and calls me to life in You, with You, and through You. Remain in me. Help me to remain in You. Assist me in setting down my selfishness and putting my love for You and for all my sisters and brothers ahead of my momentary desires. Grant that I may love You and serve You well this day and all days, in this life on earth and life with You in abundance. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.