First Reading (Eccl 4,12-22).
Reading of the Book of Ecclesiasticus.
Wisdom communicates life to its children and welcomes those who seek it. Those who love it, love life; Those who seek her early in the morning will be filled with joy for the Lord. Whoever clings to it will inherit glory; wherever you go, God will bless you. Those who venerate her worship the Saint; for God loves those who love Him. Whoever listens to it will judge the nations; whoever dedicates himself to it will live in safety. If anyone trusts in it, he will receive it as an inheritance; and in his possession his descendants will continue. At first, she accompanies him on opposite paths, bringing him fear and trembling; She begins to test him with her discipline, until he has her in his thoughts and puts his trust in her. Then he will return to him in a straight line, confirm him and give him joy, reveal his secrets and give him the treasure of knowledge and understanding of justice. But if you stray, she will abandon you and hand you over to your enemy.
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (Mark 9,38-40).
Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, John said to Jesus: “Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name. But we forbade him, because he does not follow us.” Jesus said, “Do not forbid it, for no one performs miracles in my name and then speaks ill of me. Whoever is not against us is for us.”
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
My brothers and sisters in Christ, it is with great joy that we gather at this time to reflect on the profound words of Holy Scripture, which challenge us and invite us to live a fuller, more faithful and more compassionate life. Today, the first reading of the book of Ecclesiasticus and the Gospel of Mark bring us teachings about wisdom, generosity, unity and the power of love.
I would like to start with a simple but profound reflection: how many times, in our daily lives, do we come across situations in which our wisdom, or lack thereof, guides us towards a path of confrontation or even loneliness? And how often, in trying to be “the best” or “the most right”, do we overlook the opportunity to act with generosity and compassion?
In Ecclesiasticus, the author presents us with a series of reflections on the wisdom and importance of having a heart sensitive to the needs of others. He tells us: “Wisdom shines on the face of the righteous, and his grace is like a flower that opens for good.” What a beautiful image! Wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge, but something that shines through in our attitudes, that shines from within us and spreads around us, like a flower that opens to others. She is a source of beauty, kindness and light.
And wisdom also teaches us to act generously. The author of Ecclesiasticus warns us: “Do not refuse good to those in need, when we have it in our hands to do it.” How many times do we get caught up in the rush of everyday life, by worrying about our own needs, and fail to see the suffering of others? Generosity, which is born from wisdom, is not just a one-off virtue, but a daily practice. Being wise is being generous with what we have, be it time, talent or resources. We are called to look around us and see the needs of others, offering our help in a concrete and loving way.
Ecclesiasticus also reminds us that we must be careful with our words and attitudes. When we act wisely, our words are like balm for wounded hearts, and our gestures are like signs of peace and reconciliation. How are we using our words? Have they been a reflection of God’s love and wisdom, or have they been instruments of division and discord? Sometimes a kind word can change a life, a generous attitude can restore a friendship. Wisdom, my brothers and sisters, must always lead us to this generosity of spirit.
Now, in the Gospel of Mark, we find the disciples worrying about those who are doing good in the name of Jesus, but who do not belong to their group. John says, “Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow us.” Jesus, with his divine wisdom, responds: “Do not forbid him. He who is not against us is for us.”
This passage brings us a crucial lesson about unity and respect for differences. Often, in our zeal to defend faith or truth, we end up creating divisions and rejecting those who, even in a different way, are seeking to live according to God’s will. But Jesus reminds us that true unity is not in following a specific group, but in sharing the same love and the same mission to serve the Lord.
Imagine for a moment, if in John’s place, we had the tendency to exclude those who have a different way of living their faith. We would be like children who fight over toys, without understanding that the objective is not the toy itself, but coexistence and love between children. In faith, the objective is not who is part of this or that group, but who works for good, justice and peace. “He who is not against us is for us.”
How often do we find ourselves in situations where we judge or exclude other people based on our own view of “how things should be”? But Jesus teaches us that, even with differences, we can be allies in the mission of love and service. Unity in the Body of Christ is not a forced unity, but a union that respects the diverse ways in which God’s love is manifested in the world.
Jesus also challenges us to practice true generosity. He tells us that even giving someone a glass of cold water in His name will be rewarded. This teaches us that it is not necessary to perform great things to please God, but rather to be faithful in taking care of small things and in simple gestures of kindness. Often, what seems insignificant to us can be immeasurably valuable in God’s eyes.
Think with me, my brothers and sisters, how many opportunities we have, every day, to do good. Sometimes, the simple fact of listening to someone, giving a sincere smile, offering help to those in need can be enough to spread God’s love throughout the world. We don’t need to wait for great moments or great achievements; The Kingdom of God is built on small gestures, dedication to others, sincerity and faith.
I invite you to think for a moment: in what areas of our lives can we be more generous? How can we, in everyday life, apply the wisdom given to us, not to accumulate possessions or power, but to serve others with genuine love? How can we cultivate true unity in the Body of Christ, recognizing that all who seek the good, regardless of their denomination or vision, are allies in the great mission of proclaiming the love of God?
Wisdom, generosity and unity are the pillars on which we are called to build our Christian lives. They are not just isolated virtues, but characteristics that interconnect and reinforce each other. As we act wisely, we become more generous, and our generosity creates bonds of unity with those around us. And finally, our unity in Christ strengthens us to live more wisely and generously.
My dear ones, as we leave here today, may we be more aware of our calling to live wisely, generously, and unified. May we look at others not with eyes of judgment, but with the eyes of Christ, who sees the good in all who seek to do good in His name. May our words and actions always be a reflection of divine wisdom, and may our gestures of love be a light in the world, guiding others to the Kingdom of God.
Let us, then, ask God, with humility and confidence, for the grace to live these virtues fully in our daily lives. Lord, we thank You for Your Word, which teaches us to be wise, generous and united in Your love. Help us to apply these teachings in our hearts and in our actions, so that we can be true instruments of Your peace and love in the world. Amen.
May the peace of Christ be with you all!
