Reading I: Numbers 11:25-29
Reading II: James 5:1-6
GOSPEL: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
Have you ever heard this saying? It’s the little things that count.
It’s always refreshing when you can make someone’s day by doing the little things like opening doors, saying thank you, giving a helping hand, or a grateful smile. If you aren’t doing the little things that help one another out, you may just be unconsciously helping others sin. And after reading this week’s Gospel message from Jesus, I don’t think you want to be doing that!
Cutting Out the Sin – LITERALLY
About those causing others to sin, Jesus says, “It would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” He then gets into cutting off your hand if it sins – and your feet too! He even suggests plucking out your eyes. Wow! So much for fire and brimstone being “Old Testament!” Those are some pretty gruesome images but I think they ensure that we get the point.
Jesus actually went into this bit of a tirade because his disciples were jealous of others who were driving out demons in Jesus’ name. His point was not to worry about those people doing deeds in Christ’s name, but rather worry about those doing evil and sinful deeds.
The disciples sound kind of silly, don’t they? It’s as if they believed they should be the only ones doing Jesus’ work. Unfortunately, something similar plays out rather regularly between Christian denominations these days!
Catholics and Protestants are often ridiculing each other. Heck, Catholic Apologetics is a whole branch of study dedicated to defending Catholic beliefs – often by attacking the beliefs of other denominations. But it doesn’t stop there, conservative Catholics and liberal Catholics often go toe-to-toe on polarizing issues within the Church.
Being Christian: For Jesus’ Sake
We constantly attack each other over who is right and who is wrong – who is “more Christian” than the other – and we do it all in the name of Jesus. Is that really what we’re called to do? Is that how we do Christ’s work on earth? Or should we start taking a different approach? Maybe it’s time to let our fellow Christians follow their own path to Christ while we focus on evangelizing those who really need to hear the Gospel message.
Yes, we live in a predominantly Christian country, but there are plenty of people out there who need our help. Like the poor, the lonely, the imprisoned, the depressed, and the impoverished – those truly in need are the ones who need the healing touch of Jesus.
Or maybe it just goes back to the little things. Doing those little things for a friend, neighbor, colleague, or stranger who may just need someone to brighten their day. Actually living out Christ’s light to those you encounter each day will do more to change your community (maybe our world) than arguing, like the disciples do this week, about who should be doing work in Jesus’ name.
Which reminds me of another little saying: Actions speak louder than words!
Life Applications:
What are some things that you argue about?
What does it mean to live a Christian life?
What are some little things that you can do for the people around you?
Check out the REAL Word Podcast for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B):
Original article by Rod Hetherton, 2003-2021.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.