READ SCRIPTURE (Mark 9:38-50)
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.
“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.
“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
REFLECT ON THE READING
As opportunities arise to nurture and mentor someone who believes or is beginning to believe, Jesus explains there is a responsibility that comes with being a disciple of Jesus. He warns the disciples of becoming a stumbling block or placing a block in the way of others. Despite the good intentions of the disciples to do the right thing, they may have become a stumbling block in dealing with those who healed in the name of Jesus.
What examples does Jesus give about becoming a stumbling block?
What are ways hands, feet and eyes can become stumbling blocks?
Jesus concludes with a reference to being “salted with fire.” This is feisty language, yet the teaching ends with a call to have peace with one another.
What does it mean to be “salted with fire”?
How does the call for peace fit with the disagreements among the disciples?
PRAY
Great Healer of wounds, heal our wounds and help us commit to following you. Amen.
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