Today we are asked to think about what it means to follow Christ
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 “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
“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.” (Mark 9:41)
This Sunday’s liturgy calls our attention yet again to all that is entailed in the work of discipleship. Christ wants as many people as possible to follow His way of life that will lead us through time into eternity. And that means expressing our love for Him in love for others. Rather than ignoring or even turning away from people we do not easily recognize as brothers and sisters, we must be open to all. The Gospel reading starts with John, the Apostle closest to our Lord, totally misunderstanding how to see someone who, at first glance, disrespects Jesus. John and the others met a man casting out demons in suffering people and he did it in the name of Christ. They tried to stop him, thinking Jesus would approve of what they did. The Apostles seemed to want to exercise control of what other believers did. But our Redeemer would have not condoned this narrow vision. He told them, “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” (Mark 9:39-41).
He went on to say that just as a simple act of charity in His name would be rewarded. And He added that sinning, and especially, causing others to sin, has painful consequences. Jesus wanted them to pay attention to what they themselves were saying and doing and how this affected others. Everyone has to recognize how sin injures the soul and how we must be willing to change. That means to repent and to imitate Christ’s mercy and generosity. Rather than criticize others, we need to focus on our own shortcomings. Our Lord came into the world to save us, not to punish us. However, if our choices pull us away from Him and His love, we will end up serving only our baser selves.
