SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Monday

Year II

Readings

First Reading
Jas 3:13–18

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15

Gospel
Mk 9:14–29

Meditation on Today’s Readings

Taken from the Vatican II Sunday and Weekday Missal
Written by Celia Sirois

As the story of the transfiguration was a preview of Jesus’ risen glory, so this story is a preview too. Here we see the disciples without Jesus, attempting in his absence to carry on his work—driving out demons and debating with scribes. It is a glimpse into the future of the Church. Although Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, the disciples cannot expel the demon that torments the boy. No doubt the scribes have outclassed them in discussion as well. The answer to their predicament lies in the miracle story sandwiched between two references to the disciples’ powerlessness. They must admit their lack of faith in Jesus and make the prayer of the desperate father their own: “Help my unbelief!”

Called to share his wisdom and power, the followers of Jesus can only do so through faith. “Everything is possible to one who has faith.” This is not to say that faith can do anything, but that faith does not put limits on what God can do. James calls such faith “wisdom from above”—; as Sirach says, it is a gift lavished on God’s friends.

The copyright for the Sunday Missal Introductions is:
Copyright (c) 2001, Daughters of St. Paul
The copyright for the Weekday Missal Introduction is:
Copyright (c) 2002, Daughters of St. Paul