Celebración de la palabra

Protect the week

While the Bible speaks constantly of forgiveness, it always keeps condemning presumption, whether in one’s own strength or possessions, or in the very patience of God with sinners. It is the people aware of their weakness who attract God’s pardon. This is Ben Sirach’s lesson today.
In a series of not too well connected words of the Lord to his disciples, we notice for example, how Jesus shows concern for the “little ones,” that is, ordinary Christians not too well versed in doctrinal matters, who are at times confused by the more learned. We too should be concerned about the little people, the humble, ordinary Christians.

Reading: Sirach 5:1-8

Don’t rely on your assets. Don’t say, “I have enough to live comfortably for the rest of my life.” There’s no need to be a long-distance runner, no need to take a stroll through the garden of evil.
Don’t say, “I’m not a pushover for anybody” or “Who’ll topple me from my pedestal?” Why? Because a vindictive God will knock your block off.
Don’t say, “I’ve sinned and I’m already forgiven!” The Most High will reward your confession when he’s good and ready. Don’t be over-confident about forgiveness, and for sure don’t commit another sin just because you can. Don’t say, “The Lord’s capacity for forgiveness is great, more than enough to forgive my own sins.” Why? Because the Lord can deliver his wrath quickly, while sinners are notoriously slow-moving targets.
So don’t be slow when turning toward the Lord; don’t put it off until tomorrow.

Gospel: Mark 9:40-49

Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.
“On the other hand, if you give one of these simple, childlike believers a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you’ll soon wish you hadn’t. You’d be better off
“If your hand or your foot gets in God’s way, chop it off and throw it away. You’re better off maimed or lame and alive than the proud owner of two hands and two feet, godless in a furnace of eternal fire. And if your eye distracts you from God, pull it out and throw it away. You’re better off one-eyed and alive than exercising your twenty-twenty vision from inside the fire of hell.
“Everyone’s going through a refining fire sooner or later, but you’ll be well-preserved, protected from the eternal flames. Be preservatives yourselves. Preserve the peace.”

Prayer

Lord God, our Father,
Jesus your Son, showed special concern
for the weak and the humble.
Help us too, never to become overbearing
or condescending towards the little people.
Do not allow us to confuse them
with self-conscious, learned words.
And give us a faith that is informed,
yet simple and trusting.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord. Amen.