'The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul...'
Reflections on the readings for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 26, 2021): NM 11:25-29; PS 19:8,10,12-13,14; JAS 5:1-6; MK 9:38-43,45,47-48
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
If we sincerely want to serve Almighty God and His Kingdom, we have to share with others from our treasure, as much as possible according to our circumstances.
Just as Jesus speaks in today’s Gospel about the need to avoid sin and to do good, the second reading from James provides a strong denunciation of the unjust rich. These are people who are absorbed in their own needs and pleasures and do not do justice to those to whom they owe it. “Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries.… You have stored up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter” (James 5:1, 3-5).
James describes people who have no concern for those to whom they have obligations. Whether or not people work for us, we have a responsibility to pay our debts to everyone in a timely fashion. We are called to be just and merciful. The rich people in these verses fail to treat others with respect, and they also fail to use their wealth to benefit those in need. All of us must appreciate that we take nothing out of this world but our own souls. And if we sincerely want to serve Almighty God and His Kingdom, we have to share with others from our treasure, as much as possible according to our circumstances. Moreover, our hearts need to be ready to extend mercy in whatever way necessary. This can mean spending time volunteering with church or community groups at shelters, soup kitchens, and similar activities. We can pick up groceries for people who cannot get out, or call those who have no one with whom they could simply talk. We can always pray for those in difficult situations. We can always love.
Suggested missionary action: We can ask Christ to help us appreciate the responsibility we bear for the well-being of our neighbors. In particular, we must recognize those to whom we have special obligations, as well as those who are in need.
