SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (September 28th, 2024.)

26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B



1ST READING: Numbers 11 :25-29
RESPONSORIAL PSALM  Psalm19:7.9.11- 12.13 (R. 8ab)
2ND READING: James 5: 1-6
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: John 17:17b (a)
GOSPEL READING: Mark 9:38-43.45.47-48

                   
  EGHE OKONOFUA 

It is interesting to note that while Jesus was alive, there were people outside those he chose who had already started performing miracles using his name, or is there more to this passage than we read?

However the things I can get from the gospel is this:
✓ That the one who believes in Jesus is never the enemy, whether they belong to a denomination different from yours.
✓ We should be careful not to try to reduce the holy Spirit to our own perception of him.
✓ Be very patient in judging matters of the spirit, no matter how unorthodox it might seem to you.
✓ Most of all ask Jesus for guidance that you do not grieve the holy Spirit or incur a wrath upon yourself while thinking you're fighting for God, for Jesus says - whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, would rather have a millstone around his/her (yes her too, no be only men go collect) neck and thrown into the sea!

We pray for Divine discernment through Christ our Lord. Amen

            
 NATHANIEL ONWUASEGWU

My reflection, from the second reading.

Jesus warns us before hand especially those who trust in riches.
To trust in our riches is to make our riches our God.

God is jealous when we worship created things. See what would happen to those who worship other gods their end will be miserable.

The story of Lazarus and the rich man readily comes to mind.
These narratives are to make us better Christians. For what will it profit us if we gain the whole world and suffer the loss of our souls.

In creating us Jesus said let there be and there was but in recreating us he has said so much including dying for us on the cross.
And he is asking us today. 'what is it that I ought to do for you that I have not done?'

He has done all things and done them well.
When we hear his word let us not harden our heart.

Ave! Maria

 
  EGWUATU JOSEPH  ODIRACHUKWUMMA

Reflection on the Gospel Reading of the day: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

My reflection theme: Radical Commitment to Avoid Sin

Jesus warns against causing others to sin and urges us to eliminate anything that leads us astray, even if it means radical sacrifices. The Kingdom of God is worth any cost.

For example: In the digital age, someone might give up social media to avoid temptations and distractions, prioritizing spiritual growth over worldly pleasures.

       

 KELECHI MARY - PETER ADRIAN EKWURIBE

My reflection!!

From the first reading and the gospel, we are reminded to always encourage anyone who is doing the right thing and not to discourage anyone because they do not belong to our class or  are not members of our denomination.

We should also stay away from whatsoever that distracts our attention from our utmost goal of existence (focusing on gaining the Kingdom of God).

From the second reading, Saint James reminded us of the importance of utilizing our wealth wisely , perfectly, and not using it against those that are below our standard.

                     















    FABIAN DANIA

Reflecting on the action of John and the other disciples, I wonder what their actual motivation was for forbidding the "miracle worker." 

Was it jealousy? I sincerely do not think so. I would rather think that they did that to safeguard the sanctity of Jesus and his holy name. In our day, there are several "miracle workers" and even "miracle hawkers," but how often do we pay attention to their testimonies about Jesus. 

Christ was quick to tell the disciples that no one who does a mighty work in his name will be able soon after to speak evil of him. This shows us that the testimony of our mouths is equally important in the propagation of the Christian faith. Miracles will always happen, whether they be false or genuine. However, do we care about the truth about Jesus and what he has established? 

May his grace always be sufficient for us. Amen!

 

                    











  EMMANUEL UKO

"Whoever that is not against us is for us." Mark 9, 38 - 40.

We all want to be for Jesus, because it is the correct lifestyle of a Christian. At times, we find ourselves divided on who we are really for.

Our words profess that we are for him, but some of our daily actions don't quite show it. This is the struggle we face.

Femi (not real name) who has been jobless for three years finds a job opportunity but has to pay a bribe before he gets an offer letter. Yes, he professes who he belongs to, but some necessities of life force him to act in the contrary. Stories like these are all over, for both men and women.

May God help us to overcome the situations that would make us live contrary to what we profess.