Salted by Fire – Reflection on Mark 9:41-50
Like the Apostles, an absolute commitment to a spiritual life requires a journey into the same desert experience of Jesus. Part of the spiritual life means being salted by fire (purified). It takes immense willpower because of its extreme difficulty. To participate in the movement from vices to virtues means denying desires and temptations, just as Jesus did. We are given the ability to do so, but we may only partially succeed because of the intensity, and God accepts us at whatever we can do. Jesus is there with us as we attempt to climb to the possible heights. Even for those succeeding beyond the ordinary, total transformation takes more than our lifetime. Faith alone becomes strength and supports the challenge. When we cooperate with the spiritually surgical removal of those things that hold us back, we will have riches far beyond our imagination.
Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 9:41-50 – Scripture*
41 For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.
Temptations to Sin
42 “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, 48 where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.
49 “For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 9:41-50 Reflection – Salted by Fire.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate various forms of expression in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 9 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Salted by Fire
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.