25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20. The Lord upholds my life – Psalm 53(54):3-6, 8. James 3:16 – 4:3. Mark 9:30-37.

What pathway might best lead us to the fruits of righteousness?

Today’s readings explore what it means to be follow God’s way. Jesus’ words to his disciples echo the passage in the First Reading, where those who are just are beset upon by the wicked. The Second Reading explores what drives people to set upon the just – jealousy and selfish ambition – which are the cause of disorder and wrongful practices. Against this, another path is proposed ­– one of purity, peace, gentleness and compliance with God’s will.

In a month that has become a season of prayer for creation in the Church over the past few years, it’s perhaps worth considering what these readings mean when it comes to our relationship with the environment. Are we driven in our actions by selfish needs, or are we driven by what we believe is right for all creation? What pathway might best lead us to the fruits of righteousness?