RB: Ch 18:20-25
Mass: Jm 3:13-18; Resp Ps 19; Mk 9:14-29
THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE IS FIRST OF ALL PURE, THEN PEACEABLE, GENTLE, COMPLIANT, FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS, WITHOUT INCONSTANCY OR INSINCERITY.
(Jm 3:17)
Today's Word proclaimed is rich. In our First Reading, we are posed with a question by St James: "Who among you is wise and understanding?" (Jm 3:13). Before eagerly raising a hand, consider what comes next: "Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom" (Jm 3:13). We pray to drive out the earthly, unspiritual, and demonic wisdom of bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in our hearts which lead to disorder and every foul practice (Jm 3:15-16). Are these not forms of the spirit presented to us in today's Gospel? We can only drive them out through prayer (Mk 9:29). Never lose hope in God's mercy (RB 4:74).
Let us call upon God today, firmly rooted in prayer, for without prayer all our activity risks being fruitless and our message empty. Jesus wants evangelizers who proclaim the good news not only with words, but above all by a life transfigured by God's presence.
(Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium The Joy of the Gospel, 259)
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