SERMON/MEDITATION FOR THURSDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II MAY 23 2024

SERMON/MEDITATION FOR THURSDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II (MAY 23, 2024)

James 5:1-6; Ps.49; Mark 9:41-50

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One may think that in today’s first reading, St. James was condemning riches since he speaks of doom about them. This is not the case. Upon careful reflection, we will realize that St. James was condemning two attitudes that are common with those who are not poor in spirit; those who cling so closely to material things so that they have no space either for God or for others. People with such attitudes are fond of hording in the midst of suffering, while taking undue advantage of others.

Such attitudes are not found only with the wealth. Any human being can be guilty of them. The first attitude is a clear case of ignoring the pain and lack of those around while enjoying the sight or thought of the plenty one has stored for himself/herself. It is often said that one man’s meat is another man’s poison. None of us has the prerogative to waste anything at all; not even what you may no longer be in need of.

If we look around, we will see those who need what we no longer need. Sometimes, we may have so much properties like clothing or foot wears that we don’t get to wear some of them for some months. This is already a clear sign that we should give them out. Before you turn your clothes to rags, think of those who could still use them as clothes. Do not wait to be asked, for there are many things you have received from God without first asking.

The second attitude is that of taking undue advantage of others on account of a privilege of position, endowment, etc that we enjoy. Sometimes we are able to cheat others simply because God has placed them under our care or because they trusted us so much that they opened themselves to us. In both instances, taking undue advantage of others amounts to betrayal. Justice for the poor man will not come from his fight back but from God who is never deaf to the cry of the poor. Beloved, human beings are never to be used.

St. James wants us to understand that the things of this world are passing away whether we have them or not, whether we use them or not. So the wise thing to do is to use these passing things for our good and the good of others. One question we must keep asking ourselves daily is: what more can I share? This will surely guide us against victimizing others.