Wed Feb 23, 2022 Memorial: St. Polycarp, Bishop, Martyr

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Today's first reading from the Letter of James (Jas 4:13-17) warns against taking pride in making great plans without regard for God's will. James calls such plans arrogant, boastful and evil.

The psalm response (Ps 49) is David's declaration that God is his true Source of prosperity and safety. He has experienced being surrounded by wicked people of great wealth and power. God kept him safe from them in the wilderness. David reminds his hearers that money cannot buy long life or redemption in God's sight. Those who rely on money and power die, and their wealth goes to others:

“Why should I fear in evil days when my wicked ensnarers ring me round?
They trust in their wealth; the abundance of their riches is their boast.
Yet in no way can a man redeem himself, or pay his own ransom to God;
Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough to remain alive always and not see destruction.
For he can see that wise men die, and likewise the senseless and the stupid pass away, leaving to others their wealth.”

Today's Gospel (Mk 9:38-40) reminds me of our oneness in Jesus as Christians. The disciples tell Jesus how they tried to stop someone from casting out demons in His Name. Jesus replies, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”

These readings leave me with two ideas. First – all I have is God's gift, and I am its steward. How can I boast of what God has given me? God is my security and Source of all blessing. Second – Jesus is the Vine and we are His branches. I must honour what the Holy Spirit is doing in the other branches of Christ's body for the Father's Kingdom. Let's let the mercy of Jesus be our boast, and let us celebrate what He is doing in all of us in the power of His Holy Spirit for the Father's glory.

Link to Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022322.cfm



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