SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (21st September, 2024)

 

LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR THE 25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR B)

1st Reading: Wisdom 2:12.17-20
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 54:3-4.5.6 and 8 (R. cf. 6b)
2nd Reading: James 3: 16-4:3
Gospel Acclamation: 2 Thessalonians 2:14
Gospel Reading: Mark 9:30-37

Nicholas Omonjeva

REFLECTION

See the way the author of wisdom described the death of Jesus. 

Men condemned Jesus to a shameful death to confirm what he has told them, *bring this temple down and in 3 days, I will build it back.*

They told Jesus while hanging on the cross, *if you are the son of God, come down from the cross and we shall believe you.* If Jesus had come down from the cross, they would still not believe him.

Jesus told his own men in clear terms, what the law, prophets and psalms said about his death in shadows. Jesus death, burial and resurrection is a fulfillment of prophecies.

Except a seed falls down to the ground and dies, it abides alone. The seed must fall down. It took humility for Jesus, Eternal Wisdom to put on the form.of an incarnate man.

The template of leadership in the kingdom of Light is servant hood. If your grace can't clear pews and chairs, your grace may not be able to drive out demons.

The perfect model of humility is a child.

St James admonished us to disregard ourselves in our relationship with others. Jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, vile practice have their roots in pride.

Earthly wisdom will support the above vices but there is wisdom from above. 

St James spoke on getting answers from prayers and reasons why we don't get answers. 

I don't have, because you do not ask

My lack is just a ask away. When I ask and I don't receive it, it may be asked amiss. Asking amiss is asking to fuel my flesh.

May God grant us this wisdom that is from above. Amen.

Eze Ekenemaria Eugene

REFLECTION

Humility and Service in Christ

The Gospel pericope according to Mark (Mark 9:30-37), Jesus offers a profound lesson on the nature of the kingdom of God and greatness in the eyes of God. As he foretells his passion, death, and resurrection, the disciples struggle to grasp the gravity of his words, instead becoming caught up in a conversation about who among them is the greatest. Jesus, aware of their preoccupation with the hidden question, and He gently corrects them by teaching a fundamental truth of Christian discipleship: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” The response of Jesus Christ might seem derogatory and contradictory to today's Christians.

In this, Christ reveals that true discipleship is found not in power, recognition or material gains, but in humility and service. By placing a child in their midst, Jesus illustrates that we must embrace the simplicity, trust, purity and dependence of a child to receive God’s grace fully in service to others selflessly, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized in the society as an expression of our faith.

Measure all things with Christ.......

Rita Chinwendu Okonkwo 

REFLECTION

Good afternoon beloved brothers and sisters.

Having gone through the readings today, I want to tag my reflection as "No righteous man without a persecution" No wonder Jesus says in the scripture that he prays for us to overcome temptation because he knows the world we live in is full of turbulences, persecution, unnecessary fighting, waging wars, jealousy, anger and wickedness. 

And no matter how good a person is, or how righteous he or she is trying to remain there must be persecution from the unexpected source but the Lord keeps assuring us that he is with us in everything we com across in life, he alone is our only helper if only we can build that strong trust and Faith in him. Instead of grumbling, complaining, giving up our Faith or fighting back, but like the Psalmist we should be confident to say 'The Lord is the upholder of my life.

And believe that As we call his name and trait him he will save us by his power, defend our cause and give ears to the words of our mouth.

Atisele Henry Uzoma

REFLECTION

From the first reading;

Looking at what is happening in our word today,where people hardly stand or speak the truth,often times people defend what they like and not what is right, Let us have it in mind that,whenever you stand or speak the truth,you will be an enemy to majority,but lets be firm and stand for what is right,regardless.

May God continue to give us grace not to fall prey to things that are against his command.

According to the gospel passage; even Christ who is righteous and done no evil or wrong,yet people condemned him,this is as a result of jealousy.

We should always do that which is right and pleasing to God,also have it in mind that you cannot please everyone,that is why we have jealouse ones everywhr.

Be steadfast bethren,dont fall prey.

Lastly,before one can lead,you must be ready to serve.

A good leader,is a great servant.

Oise Chigbue

REFLECTION

There is nothing wrong with ambition. However, it must be for the greater good of mankind and for God's glory because none of us is created for herself or himself but for God. As it is said in our catechism; God created us to love him, to know him and to be with him all our days. And so our ambition must be from a place of purity and not selfish or self centered. When our ambitions and plans are selfless, we are less likely to be desperate in our dealings or to be led astray. We will be like little children whose needs are basic and simple, and restricted to what we can provide for them except when they are exposed to selfish ambitions. 

Christians should rely on God for everything they need, every single day. 

Thank you.

Kingsley Obinna Paul 

REFLECTION

Good afternoon all

The second reading tells us about the evil characters that exist in us and without us working against it, we will hardly find peace within ourselves, which will make us envy those around us, and build up evil thoughts within us probably leading us to a war against those we envy and might lead to taking of that individual's life.

And also sometimes we ask for the wrong things out of our selfish desire and it's not granted to us because it's not necessary in our lives or the necessity has not yet arrive in our lives,

That's why each time we pray at the end, we should always include "not my will Lord but your will be done in my life".

The gospel reading tells us we should always ask questions on what we don't understand because out of fear the apostles couldn't ask Jesus about their fears and worries.

Also we should always humble ourselves whenever and wherever we find ourselves so that we can get the blessings that comes out of that sacrifice of humility, and let go of the spirit of exulting ourselves even if it is worth it.