26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Numbers 11: 25-29; James 5: 1-6; Mark: 9: 38-48
Today’s Scripture can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab
We’ve probably all been surprised at one time or another with a response or an action that was “out of the ordinary”. An unexpected kindness, a generous offer, an unselfish act that we did not expect can startle us, especially when this is done by someone for whom we may not have had much regard. Seeing and acknowledging goodness where we did not expect it can actually even disturb us because we may have conditioned ourselves to expect a different action!
God’s Word today challenges us both to look beyond our own views of who we think is capable of goodness (James) and to acknowledge goodness in our world (Numbers, Mark).
When, in the reading from Numbers, we hear that two men who were not present for all the "rites" were prohesying because God's Spirit was speaking through them, we might be a bit surprised too!
And when we hear the disciples complaining to Jesus about the good actions of someone "outside the group", we quickly see what Jesus considers important.
(Mark)
This week I'll try to remember that God's Word challenges me to notice and affirm goodness wherever I see it! God's Spirit is alive!
To think about:
Do I stereotype people based on outward appearance, ethnicity, or other external factors?
Do I impute ulterior motives or belittle efforts made by some people?
Do I look for opportunities to “catch them doing good”, acknowledging and affirming goodness when I see it?
To do: Affirm your child’s efforts to help, co-operate, share, or establish a good habit.
Thank someone whose goodness touched your life.
Congratulate someone who has been acknowledged or honored.
Notice small gestures of kindness in your daily life.
To pray: “Open our eyes to the wonder of this moment…”
Next week: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Genesis 2: 18-24; Hebrews 1: 1-4, 2: 5-12; Mark 10: 2-16
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
"Who's First?? Who's Best??" Reflection for Sunday, September 20, 2009, 25th SUnday in Ordinary Time
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wisdom 2:12-20; James 3: 16-4:3; Mark 9: 30-37
Scripture for today can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab
Society acknowledges greatness in many different ways, depending on the qualities that form the basis for consideration. Political leadership, achievement in sports or entertainment, the status of one's job or one's family can all be a basis for a perception of "greatness". And, as we know, "greatness” in one area of life certainly does not automatically mean “greatness” in another area.
God’s Word today reminds us that God’s standards for greatness fly in the face of many cultural standards (James, Mark).
When we hear James' reminder that "wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle and compliant", we might shake our heads in amazement!
And picturing the all-too-true-to-life scene of the disciples with their all-too-human "discussion" of "one-upmanship": "I'm greater than you are!!" makes the point even clearer. Ah, I can hear it now!
What does Jesus do? He shows this misguided group a child as an example of greatness!
As God's Word certainly challenges us to examine our standards for measuring greatness this week, we are called to notice what our lives say about our values.
To think about:
How do I and my family define “greatness”?
Who are some people I/we consider truly great? Why?
What qualities do I encourage my child to develop?
Do I take time to notice small acts of kindness, consideration, and helpfulness- or do I usually notice only the most prominent or ostentatious?
To do:
Speak to someone you might usually ignore, someone who quietly does a job or fulfills a responsibility.
Congratulate someone on an accomplishment.
Notice small acts of gentleness, kindness, peacefulness, and service in your child or in others.
To pray: “What you do to the least of my people, you do to me.”
Next week: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Numbers 11: 25-29; James 5: 1-6; Mark: 9: 38-48
Scripture for today can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab
Society acknowledges greatness in many different ways, depending on the qualities that form the basis for consideration. Political leadership, achievement in sports or entertainment, the status of one's job or one's family can all be a basis for a perception of "greatness". And, as we know, "greatness” in one area of life certainly does not automatically mean “greatness” in another area.
God’s Word today reminds us that God’s standards for greatness fly in the face of many cultural standards (James, Mark).
When we hear James' reminder that "wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle and compliant", we might shake our heads in amazement!
And picturing the all-too-true-to-life scene of the disciples with their all-too-human "discussion" of "one-upmanship": "I'm greater than you are!!" makes the point even clearer. Ah, I can hear it now!
What does Jesus do? He shows this misguided group a child as an example of greatness!
As God's Word certainly challenges us to examine our standards for measuring greatness this week, we are called to notice what our lives say about our values.
To think about:
How do I and my family define “greatness”?
Who are some people I/we consider truly great? Why?
What qualities do I encourage my child to develop?
Do I take time to notice small acts of kindness, consideration, and helpfulness- or do I usually notice only the most prominent or ostentatious?
To do:
Speak to someone you might usually ignore, someone who quietly does a job or fulfills a responsibility.
Congratulate someone on an accomplishment.
Notice small acts of gentleness, kindness, peacefulness, and service in your child or in others.
To pray: “What you do to the least of my people, you do to me.”
Next week: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Numbers 11: 25-29; James 5: 1-6; Mark: 9: 38-48
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