Be not a stumbling block for the little ones
september 29, 2024 | 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
Numbers 11:25-29; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 47-48.
These days, we hear so many scandals around us. Jesus in today’s gospel warns us against becoming the cause of sin or scandals to the little ones.
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)
The little ones are every disciple of Jesus, whether young or old who are identified by their childlikeness in God (Mt. 18: 1; Mt. 10:42). Jesus is aware of the vulnerability of our faith; he is also aware of how hurtful we can be to one another and sometimes, how often, we can be obstacles to other people’s happiness and spiritual growth.
Jesus shows the seriousness and the gravity attached to any attitude of scandal caused to others by suggesting that a millstone be put around the neck of such a person and to throw them into the sea. He suggests instead, that one should cut off with any behavior which might be the cause of our downfall and thereafter, our inability to access the heavenly home.
No abuse or violence is tolerated to the innocent souls
The faith and the lives of innocent souls, these include, children, women, the unborn, the elderly, the poor, the weak, the marginalized must never be violated or abused. Today’s gospel reminds us of all the little ones who have been abused by clergy, religious, church workers and others. I would like us to offer our prayer for the conversion of those who commit these sins, as the Gospel recommends us this Sunday. I express our sadness and frustration because of the failure of some Church leaders to expose offenders or to protect the victims. I would also like us to extend our prayer for the victims and their families known by us or unknown. Like Christ, we love the little ones of God and we commit ourselves to bring them justice and healing and advocate for their safety.
Besides the children abuse scandals, there are other scandals caused by us to the little ones in our society today, namely: domestic violence, homicide against women, abortion which is depriving so many unborn to see the light of day. We also sometimes witness to the marginalization of the poor, the migrants, the mentally ill, the homeless and the promotion anti-Christian sexual practices, and teachings.
Our prophetic voice for the little ones
Today’s reading is a clear reminder that the credibility and the progress of the proclamation of the Gospel is rooted in the way we witness Christ Jesus through our daily prayer, our faithfulness to Christ’s teaching and through our words and deeds. Pope Francis frequently reminds us that:
“Christians are urgently called to be a prophetic voice for the little ones in our society”
This was the invitation of Moses in today’s first reading today. We must open up to the Spirit of God and share with joy and conviction in the ministry entrusted to us by the risen Christ. Our prophetic voice could be our lived faith, hope and charity within our communities leading people to observe like Tertullian:
“See how these Christians love each other”.
Living the Gospel this Week
"It's not how much you give but how love you put in giving” Mother Teresa of Calcutta
“Warning to the Rich. Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries. Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten, your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire.” (James 5:1-3)
James speaks against those who store wealth while others suffer. Food is being thrown away while millions of children go hungry daily. St. James invites to be charitable. For St. James, helping those in need is a key part of living our faith.
Pray and reflect on these quotes from Mother Theresa of Calcutta:
“A life not lived for others is not a life.” “I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness.”
Come Holy, Spirit and enkindle in us the fire of your love!
Happy 26th Sunday!
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC