For the One Who Believes—Everything Is Possible
Introduction
In his letter, James presents to the faithful rules of Christian moral living as an expression of the true wisdom of faith.
Jesus heals a man who is possessed. He demands faith and trusting prayer, otherwise we are closed to God’s action. Mark describes the healing of the possessed boy in terms of a raising up, like the cure of the mother-in-law of Peter or the raising up of the daughter of Jairus. By his touch Jesus heals and restores life.
1 Reading: James 3:13-18
Beloved: Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
Responsorial Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
R. (9a) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple. R.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye. R.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just. R.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. R.
Alleluia 2 Timothy 1:10
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Our Saviour Jesus Christ has destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 9:14-29
As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. Immediately on seeing him, the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him. He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.” They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”
Commentary
Cunning may be clever and even humorous. It is also arrogant, self-seeking, and turns on others with little regard. How often do improper behaviour, personal attacks, and character assassination spring from jealousy and envy? On the other hand, the wisdom that comes from God is innocent, peace loving, civil, sympathetic, and kind. It is worth noting that none of these virtues mentioned today by James seeks the upper hand. They are proper to a peace-loving personality that seeks the good of others rather than personal gain. It is for this wisdom that we earnestly pray.
The type of demon that Jesus casts out today called for a prayerful spirit. Unfortunately, one of the faults of our times is that we do not pray enough, or we find it inconvenient to pray. For example, many people admit that they make little or no effort to find a church for Sunday Mass when they’re on vacation. Many priests argue that the time they spend looking after their daily responsibilities is their “prayer.” But we all must make time to truly pray. Christ repeatedly returned to the necessity of prayer. To be casual about our spiritual life is to realise one day that we are running on empty tank.
A religious superior with whom I once lived was noted for his harsh responses. He seldom answered kindly and rather liked to “bark” orders. In going shopping one day, I asked if there was anything he needed from the store. He answered without losing a beat. “Yes, I want a better disposition.”
To achieve the wisdom extolled by James we have to be patient with ourselves and, with God’s grace, overcome one obstacle in our character at a time. The classic spiritual work “The Imitation of Christ” states that in addressing one fault at a time we will ultimately become perfect.
Our prayer is found in today’s responsorial psalm. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
Blessing
Touching people, taking them by the hand, freeing them from their isolation and raising them up from their sadness and hopelessness are also our tasks, as we continue the work of Jesus. Let us do so with the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!