Gospel
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
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 if 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.'"
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel presents two contrasting themes:
1. Inclusion: Embracing those who serve Christ
2. Purity: Guarding against sin and temptation
Jesus' response to John's concern:
- Don't prevent others from serving in My name
- Whoever is not against us is for us
Highlights:
- Unity in Christ's mission
- Recognition of genuine service
- Reward for humble acts (a cup of water)
However, Jesus also warns:
- Beware of causing others to sin
- Radical measures against personal sin (hand, foot, eye)
The consequences of sin:
- Eternal punishment (Gehenna)
- Unquenchable fire
- Eternal worm
This passage challenges us:
1. To embrace diversity in Christian service
2. To prioritize purity of heart and action
3. To recognize the gravity of sin's consequences
As followers of Christ, we must:
- Welcome others serving in His name
- Guard against tempting or harming others
- Strive for radical purity in thought, word, and deed
May we walk the path of inclusion and purity, guided by Jesus' teachings.
May God empower us to walk the path of inclusion and purity, guided by Jesus' teachings. Amen.
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we pray for unity in Christian service, embracing those who serve You.
Grant us purity of heart and action, guarding against sin and temptation.
Guide us in recognizing and resisting sin, protecting us from its eternal consequences.
Thank you for Jesus' teachings, guiding us on the path of inclusion and purity.
We pray for:
- Unity in Christian service
- Purity of heart and action
- Guidance in recognizing sin
- Protection from temptation
- Thanksgiving for Jesus' teachings
In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.
Prayer for Purity:
Lord, create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Help me walk in Your ways, avoiding sin and temptation.
May Your love and guidance be my shield and strength.
Amen.
May God empower us to walk the path of inclusion and purity, guided by Jesus' teachings.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ