Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) 26 Sept Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
This gospel reading contains a collection of sayings of Jesus. Jesus speaks of ‘obstacles’ placed in the way of believers, the ‘little ones’ who have faith. Jesus then apparently suggests self-mutilation, an extreme way of pointing out the seriousness of sin. The references of hell and eternal fire is an attempt to express the dreadful pain of losing God and of shutting oneself off from the love of others.
How accepting am I of the goodness of those who do not share my beliefs?
Do I place obstacles in the way of others, undermining their faith and goodness?
We pray for the Zeal which always seeks what is good.
We pray for confidence in the goodness of God.
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) 3 October Mark 10:2-16
Jesus reasserts teaching about marriage and calls for commitment and fidelity. The second piece of teaching is relevant to families and relationships. The treatment of children is crucial to the health of a community.
How faithful am I to commitments undertaken?
Do I cherish those who are close to me?
We pray for our families that they may show courage and true love.
We pray for families who have suffered break-down that they may receive strength and support to rebuild shattered lives.
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) 10 October Mark 10:17-30
Jesus addresses an issue which has always faced Christians. Are riches an obstacle to faith?. Jesus maintains that material possessions may well be an obstacle to salvation. But the real enemy is selfishness. It is selfishness that kills love.
What is my attitude to my material possessions?
Do I allow selfishness to dominate my life, or any part of it?
Let us pray for those who have left everything in order to serve Christ.
Let us pray for wisdom and courage as we seek to live in a similar way.