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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 Psalm 54 James 3:16-4:3 Mark 9:30-37
The first reading today comes from the book of Wisdom, written in 2nd century BCE to encourage the Jews of Alexandria to persevere in their faith and not to be tempted by the new philosophical religions. In this passage the author describes how the righteous or good living person may be persecuted because his or her way of life is completely contrary to the lifestyle of the pleasure-seeking wicked.
Jesus led a life in complete obedience to Torah, the teaching handed down through Moses, so the words of the first reading must have resonated in the minds of the evangelists after his death. But when Jesus taught his disciples that he was going to be betrayed, put to death and rise again they could not understand and they argued as to which of them was the greatest. Their misunderstanding prompted Jesus to teach them that paradoxically the first of all must be the servant of all. Power and strength are not part of the kingdom preached by Jesus, but insignificance as seen in a little child is the hallmark of his reign.
St James lists ways in which we can display wisdom in our communities. Let us pray that we may be granted these gifts in our lives.