Wisdom 2:12,17-20 Psalm 54 James 3:16-4:3 Mark 9:30-37
A SHAMEFUL DEATH Just like last week, once again this Sunday we hear Jesus speak about his sufferings, death, and resurrection. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom relates a prophecy of Jesus' Passion and "shameful death." Even though we are well into Ordinary Time, we are reminded that we always have to confront the cross, and thank God, also the resurrection.
WISDOM
The Book of Wisdom, written about 100 BC, prepares for the teaching of Christ. This selection shows the wicked plotting against the “just one,” for no other reason than “he is obnoxious to us.” The good, just, and righteous show up the transgressions of the wicked.
For that reason, they will “put the just one to the test.” They say, “Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for according to his own words, God will take care of him.” These words were, in fact, thrown up to Jesus as he was hanging on the cross (cf. Matt. 27:42-43).
GOSPEL
In last Sunday's gospel from Mark 8, Jesus tries to prepare his disciples that he was to be a suffering Messiah. He does so again this week. “But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.”
Jesus, however, has a question for his disciples: “What were you arguing about on the way?” They didn't answer, embarrassed because they were disputing about who was the greatest and most important among them. (This wouldn't be the last time, either—it happened again during the Last Supper!)
This episode was the occasion of Jesus proposing a child as an example of the correct attitude: “If anyone wishes to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.”
JAMES
Our second reading continues to be taken from the Letter of James. In Scripture, wisdom is presented as a truly great gift from God, to be desired and treasured above all. James tells us that true wisdom is not compatible with “jealousy and selfish ambition.”
True wisdom from God, however, is “pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.” This is a great guide for discerning true wisdom from counterfeit!
Whenever our selfish passions take over, that does not make for righteousness, order, and peace. This passage serves as an examen for us: Are my “passions” — jealousy, selfishness, greed—getting in the way of my receiving the pure wisdom from above?
DEATH TO SELF
Jesus underwent a “shameful death” for our sake and invites us to die daily—to pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, jealousy, laziness, etc. These are the “passions” that are rooted deep within us, and which keep us from attaining true wisdom and holiness. Today we pray for the grace to die to self, selfishness and sin and live to sacrifice, sincerity, and service—the fruit of righteousness sown in peace.