Mark 9:41-50 Reflection ~
Like the Apostles, an absolute commitment to a spiritual life requires a journey into the same desert experience of Jesus. To be salted by fire (purified) takes immense willpower because it is an extremely difficult process. We must deny all desires and temptations just as Jesus did. We are given the opportunity to try but may not understand the possibility. Jesus will be there if we attempt. Total transformation takes more than a lifetime and can only happen by trusting God “by faith alone” and the challenge of cooperating with the surgical removal of our vices to allow room for virtues.
Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness, James Tissot, Brooklyn Museum
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 daily Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina reflection on Mark 9:41-50 Reflection – Salted by Fire.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Mark 9 Bible passage.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.