Sunday September 13, 2015
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 131 (NAB Translation)
Sunday Says
Reading 1
Isaiah 50:5-9A
This week’s first reading from the Prophet Isaiah is part of the songs of the suffering servant. In context of the time this was written, this section probably didn’t make much sense to the average Jew. It’s hard to comprehend why such suffering would be allowed. In the context of Jesus’s passion and this week’s Gospel from St. Mark, we understand that these are the words of the Messiah.
Take time to re-read this reading and listen to the vivid description of His pain and suffering.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
- (9) I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.
Reading 2
James 2:14-18
This week’s second reading continues in our study of the epistle of St. James and calls us out for our lack of action. Christians are often good at speaking about doing good things, but we often fail in our ability to act out the mission of the Gospel. St James is holding us accountable to the good news that we preach. We must speak the good news to the poor and also help them in their time of need. The faith requires a response and action.
Alleluia Galatians 6:14
- Alleluia, alleluia.
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord
through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.
Gospel
Mark 8:27-35
This week’s Gospel from St Mark is a warning of the upcoming passion of Christ. St Mark was intensively concerned that we understood the centrality of the crucifixion and its role in our salvation. Before he talks to them about the cross, He questions them oh how they see Him, and what others are saying about Him.
Jesus gets to the heart of His question, when he asks them, “Who do you say that I am?” This is a core part of our relationship with the Lord, and one that we all have to answer at many points in our personal relationship with Jesus.
When Jesus reveals the truth to them, Peter can’t handle it, and takes Jesus aside to ask Him to stop speaking that way. There are many times when we can’t accept the Truth that the Lord is revealing to us, and we want to shut Him down. Jesus’s response is to get behind Him.
Gospel Meditation from Bishop Vásquez
Reflection question
The Latin word for “sacrifice” literally means, “to make holy.” Jesus in his holiness suffered much. He has complete faith in God, His Father. Am I willing to carry my cross daily and follow Jesus to the Father? Can I echo the words of Isaiah, “I have not rebelled, have not turned back?”
