CUT IT OFF

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time Year C Mark 9:41-50 Jesus in today’s gospel inviting us to give taste to peoples lives by being salt. Nowadays, good number of our faithful had lost their faith because of some church scandals and bad examples cause by few church leaders. As a result, their faith turns bland, some stop going to church, others change religion and worst others denied the existence of God and draw them away from the Christian community. Today our readings gives us the perfect hint on how to restore the sweet flavour of our christian catholic faith. Three importhing things we need to consider. First, lets do acts of charity like giving a glass of water to someone who is thirsty. We have to put value more on people than things. What is interesting to note here is that, charity benefits the giver more than the receiver. Every charitable act is a stepping stone towards heaven. “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose their reward.” By doing simple charity we set a good example for others to follow. Charity is our perfect testimony to Jesus Christ. Second, we give taste to our brethren by avoiding a scandal. Jesus warns His disciples not to give a bad influence and example that might lead others to sin. Woe to us if we are the stumbling block for others to enter God’s kingdom. Shame on us if we are the reason why others are deprived of God’s beautiful gift of salvation. Its a great horror if we are an obstacle to others and block their path to heaven. Friends we will lose our place in the kingdom if ourselves are the main reason for others to fall into sin. Whatever cause us to sin, cut it off! Finally, our first reading reminds especially those who are affluent who exploit and manipulate the poor to enrich themselves that deceiving others to gain more money is evil. The message is very clear: use your money to help people. Never use people to make more money. Money is good but too much love for it makes our life complicated and salty. “Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.” Friends, “keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another." Blessings Fr. Jhack