February 27, 2025

Mark 9:41-50

Today Jesus is saying that those who assist and support those who spread his teachings of love receive blessings and rewards, while those who throw up obstacles and lead others to do wrong face a future of suffering. This is the fabric of society; we don’t go on this journey alone, but rather assist or impede each other. Today Jesus is showing me the image of the fabric of our society being cut into shreds. It is being cut and sliced into pieces in a random, destructive way. And then when it falls apart and falls down, those who are doing the cutting will say, “See, it was weak to begin with.”  Yet nothing would be able to withstand this type of attack. 

Rather than despair, it is best to focus on the first image in this reading – that giving even a glass of water to those who are trying to help others brings blessings. Further on in the reading, Jesus is saying that spiritual health is much more important than preserving our physical body – although of course, we must take care of ourselves and our health. It is a matter of priorities.  If we give a glass of water to someone who is working for the good, we multiply the blessings for ourselves and others. This much is under our control – to do good wherever we find ourselves. The authorities cannot take this away from us. And here, Jesus tells us it is powerful to do even the smallest act of kindness.

After further teachings about evil actions bringing serious, painful consequences in the afterlife, not to be trifled with, in this reading Jesus also gives teachings on maintaining our spiritual integrity and genuineness (“salt”) in our relationship with God and one another.  If this integrity is lost, how will we get it back?  Therefore, “keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.”  Despite all obstacles, and no matter how painful it is, in these times it is essential to guard our spiritual integrity and our kindness to one another.  That is all.