The Path of Salvation

 Reflection on Today's Readings, 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, September 12th, 2021
Texts: Is. 50:5-9a; Ps. 116:1-2.3-4.5-6.8—9; Jas. 2: 14-18; Mark 8:27-35
Today's gospel reading puts before us the question, 'Who is Jesus to you'. Our understanding of who Christ is determines the way we live our lives. Some people see Jesus Christ as a miracle worker and so always look for miracle; some people see Him as a holy man of God and they expect him to always be gentle with them even when they are doing evil; some people see Him just as a teacher and so they listen to His teaching and pick what soothe them.
Today's gospel reading shows that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who has come to give himself for the salvation of the world. The first reading tells us how much He suffered to save us. He teaches us that whoever wants to walk the path of salvation must despise suffering; he must be ready to endure all kinds of suffering. We must be deliberate in accepting  suffering. Hence, it is said, "The lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I turned not backward, I gave my back to those who struck me and turned not my cheek to those who pulled out the beard; I hid not my face from shame and spitting." This is a perfect obedience to God even in time of suffering.
The first reading teaches us that the path of salvation followed by Jesus Christ required hope in God. It is said thus: "For the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who will declare me guilty." Hope in God is important to walk the path of salvation; it helps us to bear the challenges that come our way.
Today's second reading speaks of faith and works. St. James reminds us that our faith must manifests in action. St. James simply throws more light on the word of St. Paul that faith works through love (Gal. 5:6). St. James says, "What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith Save him?" St. James teaches us that we are saved not by faith alone but together with good works. This means faith and good works are necessary to walk the path of salvation. We cannot be saved by praying, paying tithe, attending mass, receiving Holy Communion, reading and meditating on the word of God, etc alone without practicing charity. Praying, paying tithe, attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion, reading and meditating on God's word etc are ways of exercising our faith, that is, they are works of faith. We can help our neighbours without faith in God but it is odd and silly to pray to God without faith in Him. However, we need to practice what our faith means: when we pray for our neighbours to be warmed and filled, we can as well fill the neighbours and keep them warm. We need to practice what we celebrate in the Holy Mass, what we receive in the Holy Communion and what we read in God's word and meditate on. The works of faith will be futile without the works of love. The works of faith must lead to love, for faith works through love (Gal. 5:6).

Lord our God, we thank You for showing us the path of salvation; grant us  the grace to walk the path of salvation You have shown us. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke