From the responsorial psalm: “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48)
At that time, John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. 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.”
The second reading from Saint James describes the natural consequences of storing up earthly treasures—material comforts, luxury and pleasure, and attachment to silver and gold—all of which corrode or fall to dust. In the first reading, a young man tells Moses that others besides him are prophesying in the camp. “Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!” Moses tells him. In the Gospel, the beloved disciple John tells Jesus that others are driving out demons in his name. Jesus tells him: “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.” Those who try to make the treasures of the world increase see them divide and decrease, but those who share God’s love for the sake of his glory see that treasure multiply without end.
God, help me not be subject to the foolishness and enslavement of envy. Help me stand firm in refusing the enticements of the world and its riches. Let me receive joyfully and with gratitude the cup of water you give me to drink. The life Jesus invites me to enter into means choosing to turn away from things that draw me in and instead focus on what endures, what gives joy to the heart—and that is fear of the Lord, or humble acknowledgment of my dependence on you for all of your good gifts. Let me remember from Proverbs where to go to find the treasure that endures: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.