Scripture readings: Jas. 2:14-24, 26; Ps. 111:1-6; Mk. 8:34-9:1
Theme: Called to be disciple not only by faith but our deeds.
Jesus set himself to journey towards Jerusalem. On his way, he gave some important teachings. Today’s Gospel text is based on the teaching of discipleship. It was first time in the Gospel that Jesus spoke plainly without using any parable. Jesus had revealed to his disciples the messianic secret. He had predicted his death and His final destination was the cross.
While speaking on the discipleship, Jesus gave six sayings that described how to follow him. First saying is the strongest one. It summed up the rest of the sayings. A follower was not called to be mere spectator in watching miracles, exorcism, listening to Jesus’ teachings, etc. but he was called to be active follower by taking up his own cross and follow Jesus. Thus he is called to deny himself for the Lord. Saying no to oneself means making radical choice to stand with Jesus. In the second saying, yet another truth is revealed. If anyone loses his life for Jesus or the Gospel, he will save it. Here death is considered a doorway to eternal life. In the third and fourth sayings, Jesus borrowed terminology of commerce. He invited his followers to fix their eyes on the real profit. Any earthly gain such as wealth, power, pleasure, etc., is totally useless and temporary to someone who wants to earn eternal life. The fifth sayings made the followers aware of the nasty responses that they would receive from others. Jesus warned his disciples to be aware of the temptations. The disciple should not disassociate with the Gospel message. He is called to faithfulness. And in the last saying, Jesus comforted those who would remain loyal to him in their suffering and pain. They would inherit kingdom of God. In each of the six sayings, Jesus revealed the secrets of discipleship.
St. James’ teaching in his letter especially today’ reading accompany with the Gospel message today. A follower of Christ must practice faith in his life by doing good. St. James argues it to prove how important for us as a follower of Christ to show our faith through our deeds. He gives example of Abraham who lived his faith by showing readiness to sacrifice his own son Isaac on the altar. He says that Abraham’s faith became perfect by what he did. Jesus also showed His faith in God by surrendering himself on the cross. His faith is seen in his passion and death on the cross.
The readings of the days invite us to practice our faith by doing good deeds. In other words, we are called to give witness of our faith in Jesus through our deeds. If we are ready to follow Christ in the present world, it has to be shown through our deeds just like St. Teresa of Kolkotta because our freedom of religion is at stake. This is a kind of persecution in which we live and called to give witness to our discipleship. Are we ready to give witness of Jesus?
Fr. Alex D’Mello
