THURSDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - Gospel (Mark 9:41-50) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mk 9:42)

FIRST READING - Sirarch 5:1-8

A reading from the Book of Sirach

Rely not on your wealth;

say not: ""I have the power.""

Rely not on your strength

in following the desires of your heart.

Say not: ""Who can prevail against me?""

or, ""Who will subdue me for my deeds?""

for God will surely exact the punishment.

Say not: ""I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?""

for the Most High bides his time.

Of forgiveness be not overconfident,

adding sin upon sin.

Say not: ""Great is his mercy;

my many sins he will forgive.""

For mercy and anger alike are with him;

upon the wicked alights his wrath.

Delay not your conversion to the LORD,

put it not off from day to day.

For suddenly his wrath flames forth;

at the time of vengeance you will be destroyed.

Rely not upon deceitful wealth,

for it will be no help on the day of wrath.

GOSPEL OF THE DAY - Mark 9:41-50

From the Gospel according to Mark

Jesus said to his disciples:

""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.

""Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,

it would be better for him if a great millstone

were put around his neck

and he were thrown into the sea.

If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.

It is better for you to enter into life maimed

than with two hands to go into Gehenna,

into the unquenchable fire.

And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off.

It is better for you to enter into life crippled

than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.

And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.

Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye

than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna,

where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

""Everyone will be salted with fire.

Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid,

with what will you restore its flavor?

Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.""

THURSDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - Gospel (Mark 9:41-50)

THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

Dear People of God,

Today's Word of God teaches humanity how to live so as to avoid going to hell and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. God is love; He always gives humans the freedom to choose: either to go to Heaven or go to hell.

Humans have both a soul and a body, but the soul is most important to God. When the body dies, it returns to dust, but the soul will never die; it will either return to God or go to temporary detention in purgatory, to eternal purgatory, or hell with Satan.

Today's Word of God teaches those who want God to take them to Heaven that they must live and act according to His commandments of love, charity, living in harmony with one another; sharing, doing good deeds, giving, and never asking for anything in return, do not hoard or collect for ourselves the things that will pass quickly in this world.

God warns humanity that when we use the freedom He gives us to follow the will of Satan, the world, and the flesh, then we will have to go to hell with them, along with being ripped, lonely, pain, burning, worms, and maggots crawling in our bodies, being beaten and tortured by Satan and their legions, according to the level of sin we committed while living on earth.

Therefore, after being called by God, if the soul wants to enter Heaven with God and does not want to go through the long fire of purgatory, it must undergo God's purification to atone for sins while still living on this earth. We must endure pain, humiliation, and persecution from others, as well as hardships. These are opportunities to earn merit with good and charitable deeds.

As God's Word always tells us that even when we give just a glass of water with love, God's angels will record it.

When we live in harmony and true love, the fire of God's Love is kindled in all creatures, drawing them back to God. When we become yeast and salt to season the world, stirring up the passionate flavor of Love and mercy of the Holy Trinity, they become holy right here on earth, and this world becomes Heaven.

Therefore, God reminds us that, while living on earth, we must have the warmth of love and not be cold towards our brothers and sisters.

We all know the story of the rich man and poor Lazarus. When on earth, the rich man had everything and thought he would have lasting happiness, but he was wrong; he had nothing. Because when he had to face God, He revealed: "My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime." But when Lazarus was called by God, he was the richest person, enjoying complete happiness in the heart of God the Father, because when on earth, "Lazarus likewise received what was bad."

Today, God warns everyone, especially members of the Church—Bishops, Priests, religious men and women, and laypeople—that to obtain the Kingdom of God, one must endure sacrifices, suffering, and trials.

One must abandon everything that belongs to the world and completely obey the will of God, and not hoard worldly goods, not to honor, money, material things, or praise from people. Whoever hoards those things will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. To enter the Kingdom of Heaven, one must go through the narrow gate, and the "luggage" to go through this gate is to live the two words: love and charity in each person's life.

God loves humanity and gives us freedom. Those who wish to endure Satan's wrath, to experience the fire that burns the soul without extinguishing, should seek material wealth and peace on this earth. But those who want to enjoy happiness with God must endure God's purification without complaint or resistance. When God calls us to live a life of love, sacrifice, and giving with self-giving love, obeying God, and fearing Him above all things, He will grant us happiness in Heaven. That is a reward that no one can take away.

People on Earth can experience suffering in hell, but how many can experience and witness the happiness of Heaven? Because God always loves and accompanies people, today He teaches each person: to try to live according to His teachings.

Thanks be to God. Amen.