25th Sunday Ordinary Time September 22, 2024

Readings: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 James 3:16 – 4:3 Mark 9:30-37

Look at that child: bubbling with life and devoid of ego. In Jesus’ world, a child counted for naught. Children were meant to be seen, not heard. Jesus tells his disciples that their ambition should be to be as insignificant as a little child. Moreover, he exhorts them to care for little children and all the ‘least’ – for, in so doing, they would be caring for him, and welcoming God, his Father.

Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom describes the ‘virtuous man’ whose uprightness becomes a reproach for the ungodly. The psalm (54), with “The Lord upholds my life” refrain, is a fitting response of the righteous person who depends totally on God – not on the self – for help and protection. Just as the first reading describes the integrity of the righteous person, the second reading locates “wars and battles between yourselves” not in external enemies, but “in the desires fighting inside yourselves.”

Battles are fought, worldwide, because of the ‘I’, the Ego: be it in individuals or among nations. Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali’s boast, “I’m the greatest!” echoes the disease of our times and stands in sharp contrast to Jesus’ exhortation: “You must be the last, the servant of all!” Are you ready for this? Modern Man is myopic and cannot see beyond his own comforts and convenience. Men and women seem eternally engaged in making more money in a bid to beautify themselves and ensure a long life packed with pleasure. The focus is inevitably l, me, myself, for me, and so on.

A man once asked his little son, “Can you mention something of importance that did not exist twenty years ago?” Pat came the reply, “Me!” The (boy seemed to echo what he had inherited from his father and our society – a short-sightedness that begins and ends with “Me”. Look again at Jesus and the little child he places in our midst. The journey from self-gratification to self-giving is difficult. But, it is the only antidote to ‘1 disease’ and ‘me myopia’, equipping us with a broader, deeper vision of Life. Like a child’s.

 Fr. Terry