Gospel
Mk 9:41-50
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink
because you belong to Christ,
amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.
"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.
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.
It is better for you to enter into life maimed
than with two hands to go into Gehenna,
into the unquenchable fire.
And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off.
It is better for you to enter into life crippled
than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.
And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.
Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye
than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna,
where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.
"Everyone will be salted with fire.
Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid,
with what will you restore its flavor?
Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another."
Reflection
As I reflected on this Gospel, what came to mind is how much Jesus cares. Especially in the first verse, "Anyone who gives a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, Amen I say to you, will surely not lose his reward." He will not let any small deed done for Him go unrewarded. As Catholics, we are called to perform acts of charity and kindness as a way of being another Christ in the world. This is part of being a disciple of Christ.
Children often worry if their parents notice the good things they do, and as adults, this need for recognition continues. We desire acknowledgment from our bosses for hard work and contributions. While it's natural to want credit for our efforts, Jesus calls us to a higher standard. Instead of seeking recognition, we should trust that every act of kindness and love, especially those done in His name, is seen and valued by God.
Jesus reassures us that no good deed goes unnoticed in the eyes of Heaven. By focusing on serving others selflessly and with love, we align ourselves with His teachings and find true fulfillment in our spiritual journey.
Comments