Gospel Reflection for Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time (Year C - 2/27/2025)

Sisters and brothers in Christ, as we prepare for the penitential season of #Lent, which starts on #AshWednesday (3/5), this verse from today's first reading (from Sirach 5:1-8) struck me:

"Of forgiveness be not overconfident,

adding sin upon sin.

Say not: "Great is his mercy;

my many sins he will forgive."

For mercy and anger alike are with him;

upon the wicked alights his wrath.

Delay not your conversion to the LORD,

put it not off from day to day.

For suddenly his wrath flames forth;

at the time of vengeance you will be destroyed."

God is merciful, but He is also just. Now is the time to turn to Him and pray for forgiveness, to beg for the grace and gifts of piety and fear of the Lord to overcome temptations and sins with fortitude, determination, and discipline.

Let us also ask God for the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and counsel so that we do not lead others to sin. Jesus tells us this in today's Gospel:

"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 9:41-50)

. . .

Gospel of the Day (Mark 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 it 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."