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26th Sunday in Ordinary Time MARK 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 |
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| Background: Mark often presents the disciples as not understanding what Jesus is about. This Sunday’s selection follows the second prediction of the passion which the disciples again did not understand. They were afraid to ask Jesus its meaning. In his sayings in Capernaum Jesus begins the full revelation of the mystery of the kingdom. Things will be very different for those who buy into his vision. The contrast between the way the jealous disciples react to the outsider using Jesus’ name to cast out demons and Jesus’ own reaction highlights the tolerance they (and we) should have toward all who try to follow him. The temptations to sin that might lead others (little ones could be any believer) astray are to be avoided at any cost. The examples, though exaggerations, indicate the necessity of avoiding sin. |
read the padre |
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Story: Once upon a time, some members of the staff of a local parish were very distressed when they learned that a group of women parishioners had begun gathering for bi-weekly theology discussions. The staff members feared that without the proper direction from pastoral leaders, these people might develop an erroneous understanding of their faith. When the pastor learned of the staff concerns, he reminded them that they were not the sole custodians of the faith of the community. As far as he could tell the women were intelligent, concerned individuals and had the skills necessary to explore the ways in which their faith might enrich their lives. He even suggested that perhaps the staff might garner some new insights if the women would allow them to participate with them, not for them, in these discussions. *by Dr. Mary G. Durkin
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