Sunday Reflections | 26th Sunday in Ordinary Times

By SIDTP SoCom

Published on September 29, 2024

“At that time, John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. 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. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off . It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off . It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ ”

Today’s Gospel reading from Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 provides us with a profound message that resonates deeply with our Catholic faith and daily lives. In this passage, Jesus teaches us about the importance of unity within the Body of Christ and the need for personal integrity in our spiritual journey.

In the Gospel, John the Apostle expresses concern because someone outside their immediate group was casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus’ response is both enlightening and challenging: “Do not prevent him. 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.”

This teaching calls us to reflect on the broader Christian community beyond our parishes and personal circles. As Catholics, we are part of a universal Church that transcends denominational lines. Jesus’ words remind us that we should celebrate the good work being done in His name, even if it comes from those who may not share our specific traditions or practices. This spirit of inclusivity and respect fosters unity in the Body of Christ.

We are called to recognize that the Spirit works in diverse ways across the Christian spectrum, and we should support and encourage all who seek to live out their faith with sincerity and devotion. In our Catholic tradition, this can be reflected in our openness to ecumenical dialogue, our support for interfaith initiatives, and our respect for the various expressions of Christian faith.

The second part of the Gospel shifts focus to personal integrity. Jesus uses vivid imagery—cutting off a hand or foot, or plucking out an eye—to emphasize the drastic measures we must take to avoid sin. He does not mean these words literally but stresses the importance of addressing serious moral failings with urgency and resolve.

In our Catholic lives, this teaching translates into a commitment to ongoing personal conversion and spiritual growth. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a vital tool in this process, offering us a means to confront and amend our sins with God’s grace. Regular confession helps us stay vigilant against moral pitfalls and reinforces our commitment to live according to Christ’s teachings.

Moreover, Jesus’ warning about causing others to sin highlights the impact of our actions on the faith community. We are called to live in a way that encourages others, especially the young in faith, to grow closer to God. This involves living out the virtues of charity, kindness, and humility, and being mindful of how our behavior affects those around us.

As we reflect on this Gospel, let us commit to nurturing unity within our Catholic community and beyond. Let’s embrace a spirit of cooperation with other Christians and respect for diverse expressions of faith. Simultaneously, let’s take seriously the call to personal holiness, making conscious efforts to remove any obstacles to living a fully authentic Christian life.

By aligning our lives with these teachings, we not only honor our commitment to Christ but also contribute to a more unified and vibrant Church. Let us pray for the strength to live with integrity, for the wisdom to recognize the good in others, and for the grace to build up the Body of Christ in love and unity.