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Our Sunday Reflection - September 22, 2024
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The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
James 3:16-4:3
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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
As summer transitions to fall, farmers’ thoughts turn toward the com ing harvest. Speaking of harvesting, in the second reading Saint James declares that those who cultivate peace will sow the fruit of righteous ness. Besides the traditional fall harvest of apples and pumpkins, may we all also savor the fruit of righteousness—that is, of moral goodness and justice—which in turn brings peace to our world, our nation, and our communities. Let us sing and praise the God who makes all this possible.Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Each of today’s readings show the terrible consequences of self-cen teredness. Confronted by a just person, the selfish lawbreakers in the f irst reading plan to torture and kill him. James warns his readers that jealousy and selfishness bring conflict and even war. Jesus contrasts the contentiousness of the disciples, who were arguing about which of them were the greatest, with the innocence of a child, who does not know ambition. Let us note the self-centered tendencies in our own character and look for the antidote in today’s readings.Reflections
- Does might truly make right? Does power and force trump what is right and just? This is the background of the first reading. The verse before this selection describes the attitude of the lawbreakers, who have been stealing from the needy and indulging in excess: “Let our strength be our norm of justice; for weakness proves itself useless” (Wisdom 2:11). Therefore, they defend their attack on the just one. The world often chooses power over justice, strength over weakness. Weakness is seen as a liability. The needy, the poor, and victims of injustice are ignored, for they have no power. Do we realize that true strength comes from humility and righteousness?.
- James warns his readers that when we ask wrongly, we do not receive. Obvi ously, this is the case when we ask God for things selfishly or greedily. But it is also true when we constantly ask for more in every context. Often we receive it (a free upgrade!), but it’s never enough, for before we know it we’re asking for still more. We are never satisfied. Meanwhile, we obsess over what we still don’t have. We can never get it all; getting it all is a fool’s ambition. Even surrounded by all that we have, we will not possess eternal happiness. We’ve asked wrongly.
- Not even the disciples can avoid the temptation to ask wrongly. They argue among themselves as to which of them is the greatest. This, after hearing Jesus tell them again that he would be put to death and rise in three days. Jesus, the Teacher, teaches them a lesson by embracing a child—one who is powerless, who is last of all—and telling them that their ambition was directed in the wrong direction. Receiving a child like this in Jesus’ name receives God. Isn’t that better than all the material things, or all the status, or all the power, one can receive?
Question of the Week
When have I asked wrongly, whether for material things or status? Where has that left me?
-from Pastoral Patterns
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readings of the mass
LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, September 22, 2024
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, September 22, 2024
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Offerings
The Sunday offerings are a portion of our blessings that we give to God (Church) in gratitude to what God has done for us...ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS -
Reflections on the readings
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