Reflection on Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 ~
I am Catholic, baptized in the name of The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is my Savior, and I am born again. If you are a Christian from any denomination, please love me because we are brothers and sisters in Christ. The few differences in our beliefs should not change that. For instance, believe in the real presence of Jesus. My love of Jesus provides tolerance and breaks down walls, joining me purposefully to all of creation. I pray for humanity to embrace dissimilarities to unify around Jesus’s love. Peace be with you.
Suffer the Little Children to Come unto me, James Tissot, Brooklyn Museum
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
Another Exorcist
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 Whoever is not against us is for us. 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.
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina, Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Reflection – Peace Be With You