First Reading (James 4,13-17)
Reading of the Letter of Saint James.
Dear friends, and now, you who say: “Today or tomorrow we will go to that city, we will spend a year there, negotiating and making money”. However, you don’t even know what will happen in your life tomorrow! In fact, you are nothing more than a fog that is seen for a moment and then disappears. Instead of saying, “If the Lord wills, we will be alive and do this or that,” you glory in your boasting. Now, all arrogance like this is evil. Thus, he who knows how to do good and does not do it incurs sin.
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (Mark 9,38-40)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
— 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
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Imagine for a moment that you received a special gift. A gift that you can only use once, but that has the power to transform your life and the lives of those around you. Now imagine that this gift is time. Every day, every minute is a gift given by God. How are you using this gift? Today, let’s reflect on how we use our time in light of the Scriptures.
In the first reading, Saint James warns us about presumption. He talks about those who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, do business and make money.” But James reminds us that we do not know what will happen tomorrow. Our life is like a fog that appears for a little while and then dissipates. Instead of making presumptuous plans, we should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
In the Gospel of Mark, we find John speaking to Jesus: “Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow us.” But Jesus replied: “Do not forbid it, for no one performs a miracle in my name and then speaks ill of me. Whoever is not against us is for us.”
Let’s reflect on how these passages apply to our everyday lives. James tells us about the transience of life and the need to recognize God’s will in our plans. How many times do we make plans without considering God’s will? We plan our career, our finances, our personal projects, but we forget to consult the One who gave us the gift of time. James’ message is a call to humility and dependence on God.
In the Gospel, we see the disciples concerned about the exclusivity of Jesus’ power, but He corrects them, showing that good can be done by many, even if they are not directly linked to us. This is a lesson in inclusion and collaboration. We may often be tempted to monopolize God’s grace or to think that only we know the best way to do good. But Jesus teaches us that everyone can be an instrument of his will, as long as they are acting in his name.
Let me tell you a story to illustrate these points. There was a very successful businessman who spent all his time planning and expanding his business. He had a busy schedule and little time for his family, friends, or even God. He believed that all his success was the result of his own effort and intelligence.
One day, he was diagnosed with a serious illness and realized that all his planning could not control his life. At the hospital, he had time to reflect and realized that he had never truly thanked God for the gift of time. He began to pray and seek God’s will, and found peace and purpose, even in the midst of his illness. He learned to value every moment as a gift from God.
Now, let’s think about the Gospel lesson about inclusion. Imagine a small Christian community that was dedicated to helping the poor. They believed that only their church members knew how to properly help. One day, a group of young people from another church started helping in the same community, but with different methods. At first, there was tension and distrust. But, little by little, they realized that, despite their differences, both groups were working towards the same goal: serving those in need in the name of Jesus. This collaboration brought even more fruit and brought the community together.
Let’s use the metaphor of time as a river. The river flows constantly, never stopping, never turning back. We can choose to sail wisely, taking advantage of the current and avoiding dangers, or we can fight against the current and waste our strength. The river of time takes us towards the sea of eternity. Every moment we fail to recognize God’s will is like a stone we throw into the river, creating ripples that can affect our path and those around us.
Repeating the central message: time is a gift from God and we must use it wisely, always seeking his will. Reflect: how am I using the time God gave me? Am I including God in my daily plans? Am I open to collaborating with others who are also doing good, even if they are not part of my immediate circle?
Let’s turn this reflection into practical action. First, take time each day to ask God for guidance about your plans and decisions. It could be a short prayer in the morning, asking, “Lord, guide my steps today and help me to do Your will.” Second, be open to collaboration and inclusion. Recognize that God can work through other people and be willing to work together for the common good.
Dear brothers and sisters, always remember that time is a precious gift. Use it well, always seeking God’s will and collaborating with others to do good. May we, every day, be more humble in our plans and more open to God’s action in our lives and in the lives of those around us. May divine grace, love, and hope guide us in each moment, and may we live fully in accordance with the teachings of Scripture.
Let us now ask God to help us apply these lessons in our lives. Let us pray together: “Lord, we thank you for the gift of time. Help us to live each day seeking Your will, being instruments of Your love and collaborating with everyone who acts in Your name. Amen.”
As we approach the Eucharist, let us remember the sacrifice of Jesus, who gave us the greatest gift of all: eternal life. May we participate in this sacrament with grateful hearts and determined to live according to God’s will.
May God bless us all and guide us always. Amen.
