In the second reading, James warns us that where there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every foul practice. Sounds so familiar and exactly why Pope Francis has decried clericalism and careerism within the church, which no doubt is directly connected to the failure of so many of the bishops to remove abusive priests. James goes on to say that wisdom is from above and is pure, peaceable gentle and full of mercy and is sincere.
In the Gospel Jesus catches the disciples in a moment of jealousy and selfish ambition, arguing amongst themselves who was most important, who was the greatest of the group. He called them together and took a child, understanding that children were of the most vulnerable class and had no social status, and he told them that we must stop striving to be first, or to be the greatest, the most recognized, and we must rather focus on welcoming the poor, the vulnerable and the weak, like the child, then we welcome him and we welcome the One who sent him!
In last week’s Gospel Jesus told them that unless they were willing to lose their lives for him and for the sake of the Gospel they would not save their lives. Today we hear that by reaching out to “the other” we save our lives. Jesus calls us to refocus our lives not on ourselves but on the poor and the vulnerable. Jesus calls us to look at the world with different eyes, with Gospel eyes, to see the world as God sees it, to love it as God loves it. To love our neighbor as ourselves.
What part of my world view/vision could use a Gospel shift? What personal ambitions might I need to let go of or modify to live a more Gospel centered life? Who is the most vulnerable person in my life right now that I can reach out to let them know they are loved and not alone?
Blessings,
Fr Tim
In the Gospel Jesus catches the disciples in a moment of jealousy and selfish ambition, arguing amongst themselves who was most important, who was the greatest of the group. He called them together and took a child, understanding that children were of the most vulnerable class and had no social status, and he told them that we must stop striving to be first, or to be the greatest, the most recognized, and we must rather focus on welcoming the poor, the vulnerable and the weak, like the child, then we welcome him and we welcome the One who sent him!
In last week’s Gospel Jesus told them that unless they were willing to lose their lives for him and for the sake of the Gospel they would not save their lives. Today we hear that by reaching out to “the other” we save our lives. Jesus calls us to refocus our lives not on ourselves but on the poor and the vulnerable. Jesus calls us to look at the world with different eyes, with Gospel eyes, to see the world as God sees it, to love it as God loves it. To love our neighbor as ourselves.
What part of my world view/vision could use a Gospel shift? What personal ambitions might I need to let go of or modify to live a more Gospel centered life? Who is the most vulnerable person in my life right now that I can reach out to let them know they are loved and not alone?
Blessings,
Fr Tim
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