September 15, 2024 Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Isaiah 50:5-9a, James 2:14-18, Mark 8:27-35
A servant of God listens and responds to the call of the Lord amid suffering. The servant’s obedience is active and deliberate, demonstrating a deep relationship with the Creator. The imagery of the back being offered to those who strike and the cheek to those who pluck out the beard reflects the humble submission of one who bears the weight of injustice without retaliating. The unwavering trust of the servant is a testament to the faithfulness that stems from a profound understanding of God’s purpose and presence.
St. James addresses the relationship between faith and works. He stresses the futility of a faith that is not accompanied by works, presenting a compelling argument that real faith manifests itself in compassion and service. How do our actions reflect our faith? This rhetorical question posed suggest a need for introspection. Faith is not merely an internal conviction but must resonate outwardly in our attitudes and behaviours toward those in need.
Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah. Following Jesus requires self-denial and bearing one’s cross. The call to self-denial challenges us to reconsider our values and priorities in a world often driven by self-interest and ambition. Jesus’ assertion that those who lose their lives for His sake will find them. It is the paradox of the Kingdom.
The liturgy invites us into a deeper relationship with God in faith. Genuine faith necessitates action. It often involves sacrifice and readiness to endure hardship. Listening to God’s call, converting faith into action, and embracing the difficult journey form part of the discipleship.
Faith enriches our lives, guiding us through uncertainty, inspiring us to act, and connecting us to something larger than ourselves. It invites us to engage with the world thoughtfully and compassionately, encouraging us to seek understanding in both our triumphs and our struggles. Ultimately, faith teaches us to embrace the journey of life with hope, even when the path ahead is shrouded in ambiguity.
What is the depth of our faith? Are we translating our faith into actions?
Let us pray for the grace to integrate our faith with actions that serve both God and our neighbours. May we be empowered to live out our faith boldly. Like the servant in Isaiah, let us be steadfast in our obedience, ready to uplift those around us as the disciples of Christ. Amen
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
