I Will Bless Those Who Bless You

 

Every one will be salted with fire.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Thursday of 7th Week in Ordinary Time II, May 23rd, 2024
Texts: James 5:1-6; Psalm 49; Mark 9:41-50 

The words of Jesus Christ to us, today, reminds us of the words God to Abraham. God says, “I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3).  In those words God expressed how much He loved Abraham and how special He had made him. 

Jesus Christ shows that we like Abraham in His sight: He loves us and makes us special. He says, "Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means 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 hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” Those who bless us is blessed and those who harm us is damned. 

For every one will be salted with fire

Jesus also appeals to us to see ourselves as being loved and special  and treat ourselves as such. We should always ensure that we remove every cause of sin in our lives. He says, “And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.” It is the sacrifice we have to make to keep our dignity before God. Hence,  He says, “For every one will be salted with fire.” 

St. James appeals to us, in today’s first reading, to beware of injustice to labourers. Withholding labourers’ wages corrupts our wealth and lead us to hell. He says to the rich thus: Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten.” He adds, “Behold, the wages of the labourers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out”. 

He also condemns killing because of money

St. James reminds us that God hears the cries of labourers who are denied of their wages.  In his words: “and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the  Lord of hosts.” He also condemns killing because of money. He says, “You have condemned, you have killed the righteous man; he does not resist you.” Life is worth more than wealth. The message is that we should be just to one another.  

Prayer 

Almighty God, we thank You for your love and care, help us to live life worthy of Your loving care. May we always be aware of Your loving care for us. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke