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Mark Jacks

25th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Mark 9:35

If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.

Readings for Sunday: Wisdom, James, Mark

Reflection:

In our modern world, debates over who is the greatest—whether it’s Michael Jordan versus LeBron James or Messi versus Ronaldo—highlight our deep-seated obsession with identifying “the best” in every field. This fixation often extends into our personal lives, affecting how we view ourselves and others. We find ourselves preoccupied with questions of who excels at work, who is the most attractive, or who deserves the most recognition.

However, Jesus offers a radical shift in perspective in the Gospel passage from Mark 9:33-37. When His disciples argued about who among them was the greatest, Jesus addressed their concerns by redefining what it means to be “great.” He said, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”

Jesus, despite His divine nature, humbled Himself, taking on a human nature and sacrificing His life for our salvation. This ultimate act of humility serves as our model. It shows us that true greatness is not about status or power but about service and selflessness. In a culture increasingly marked by harshness and division, we are invited to follow this example by putting others’ needs before our own.

A wise priest once said, “Your life isn’t about you; it is about Jesus Christ.” Embracing this teaching means loving and serving others, thus receiving the love of God the Father who sent Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  • How do you define greatness in your own life, and how does this compare with Jesus’ definition of being the last of all and the servant of all?
  • In what ways can you put others’ needs before your own, as Jesus did, and how can you practice humility and service in your daily interactions?
  • Who are the “least valued” people in your life or community, and how might you show them the same love and respect that Jesus encouraged by welcoming them in His name?

24th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Mark 8:35

Whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.

Readings for Sunday: Isaiah, James, Mark

Reflection:

Even when Christians, including Catholics, think about death, they usually wind up actually believing different things. Many assume that immediate entry into heaven is the default outcome, relying on popular perceptions or selective interpretations of Scripture. Yet, Jesus offers a more nuanced perspective: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.” This teaching underscores a crucial point: salvation is not merely a matter of avoiding the worst moral pitfalls but involves a profound transformation of life aligned with Christ’s teachings.

To understand this better, imagine standing before God at the end of your life and asking to enter heaven. If God were to question why you should be admitted, citing that you’re “not as bad” as notorious historical figures, such as Adolph Hitler, or professing a general love of humanity without a clear life of doing good to and for others, might not be convincing. Genuine love for God must be reflected in daily actions and choices, not just verbal affirmations.

Catholicism presents a comprehensive path to salvation, one that demands an active, daily commitment to living out the faith. We cannot earn our salvation, but at the same time it involves more than a single moment of acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior; it is a lifelong journey of faithfulness, much like a marriage. True love for God means dedicating time to prayer, seeking His will, and living a life that aligns with His teachings.

In contrast to some evangelical perspectives that emphasize a one-time declaration of faith, Catholicism calls for ongoing engagement and fidelity. It is a way of life where salvation is realized through persistent faith and practice through God’s grace. By adhering to this path, we prepare ourselves to be welcomed into heaven, fully united with Christ.

Reflection Questions

  • How does your current understanding of salvation align with the idea of a lifelong journey rather than a one-time declaration? What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to living out your Catholic faith and nurturing your relationship with Christ?
  • In what ways are you actively living out your love for God on a daily basis? Are there areas in your life where you could be more faithful or intentional about aligning your actions with His will?
  • When you imagine standing before God at the end of your life, how do you think you would explain why you should be admitted into heaven? What does your response reveal about how you live your faith today?

23rd Sunday In Ordinary Time

Mark 7:37

He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.

Readings for Sunday: Isaiah, James, Mark

Reflection:

What is our speech impediment? How are we deaf? In Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus miraculously cures a deaf man with a speech impediment. While it was a physical cure, it points to something deeper in each one of us: that we often fail to hear God speaking to us,  and we often fail to share his Word with our family, friends, and coworkers.

When an adult is going to be baptized into the Church, there are options to sign that person’s senses with the cross. This would occur during the Rite of Acceptance in the Order of Catechumens. The cross is traced on the person’s ears, eyes, lips, hands, forehead, heart, shoulders and feet. The idea is this: sin has closed us off, even in our senses, to God. Christ renews and recreates our sense to hear, sense, and speak of our Heavenly Father.

Something similar takes place in the Baptismal Rite for infants and small children. Not only is the child anointing on the head and on the chest/heart, but the priest or deacon may place his fingers on the lips and ears to declare, “Ephphatha,” just as Jesus did in this Sunday’s Gospel. To be united to Christ in baptism is to be reconfigured to Christ and his humanity.

Yet, we still sin after baptism and we still lack faith and virtue. In that way, we are, at least partially, deaf and mute.

Reflection Questions

  • In what ways do I close myself off to hearing God’s Word today? Do I read my Bible or study the Catechism?
  • Do I spend real time praying, meditating, and seeking to hear God that he may instruct me?
  • Do I fail to share my faith because I am more concerned with what other people think of me than what God thinks?

21st Sunday In Ordinary Time

John 6:68

Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

Readings for Sunday: Joshua, Ephesians, John

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel reading from John 6:60-69, we encounter a moment of profound challenge and commitment. Jesus speaks of the difficulty of His teachings, and many of His followers struggle to accept them. In response, Peter declares, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” This passage highlights the demanding nature of true discipleship and the necessity of a disciplined faith.

Just as athletes achieve greatness through rigorous training and unwavering dedication, our spiritual journey requires similar discipline. It is not enough to merely show up at Mass or perform daily prayers; true discipleship calls for a deep, transformative commitment to our relationship with Jesus.

Jesus’ teaching about the narrow gate reminds us that entering heaven is not automatic but demands effort and perseverance.

This involves embracing and transforming our trials and sufferings through Christ’s redemptive work, not simply enduring them. Our faith must be lived with intentionality, incorporating a profound engagement with Scripture, acts of mercy, and a heartfelt pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.

Reflecting on this Gospel, consider how you can deepen your spiritual discipline. How can you move beyond routine practices to embrace a more transformative commitment to Jesus? What trials in your life can you unite with Christ’s suffering for personal and communal growth? In what ways can you cultivate a disciplined faith that leads to holiness and eternal life?

Reflection Questions

  • How can you deepen your commitment to Jesus beyond routine practices, and what specific actions can you take to embrace a more transformative spiritual discipline in your daily life?
  • What personal trials or sufferings are you currently facing, and how can you unite these experiences with Christ’s redemptive work to foster spiritual growth and communal support?
  • In what ways can you more intentionally engage with Scripture, perform acts of mercy, and cultivate a deeper relationship with God to align with the demanding nature of true discipleship?

20th Sunday In Ordinary Time

John 6:55-56

"For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him."

Readings for Sunday: Proverbs, Ephesians, John

Reflection:

Many today picture Jesus as a “hippie” – a laid-back guru who simply wants everyone to get along. This image contrasts sharply with the realities depicted in the Gospels. In Matthew 21, Jesus overturns the money changers’ tables in the temple, and in Matthew 10, He says that those who don’t take up their cross are not worthy of Him. Jesus clearly states He did not come to bring peace, but division.

This depiction of Jesus as merely a nice teacher ignores His radical claims, including His assertion of divinity (“The Father and I are one”). Some preach that Jesus merely wants us to be nice, but history shows that true followers of Christ face real challenges.

Jesus’ own words indicate that being a follower is not about being nice, it is about radical love, which is a different thing. It requires a passionate commitment to truth, even when it’s difficult.

The challenge for us is to not settle for superficial niceness but to embrace a genuine, sometimes challenging love that seeks the truth. Just as a loving parent makes tough decisions for their child’s welfare, we must confront uncomfortable truths with courage. Are we on fire for Jesus, seeking holiness, or are we lukewarm, failing to live out our faith fully? This week, reflect on what it means to be truly passionate about your relationship with God.

Reflection Questions

  • How might you be viewing Jesus as just a “nice” teacher rather than recognizing the radical expectations He has for His followers? What changes can you make to better align with His call to carry your cross?
  • Consider your current level of commitment to your faith. Are you on fire for God, or do you find yourself lukewarm? What specific steps can you take this week to reignite your passion and live more fully for Christ?

19th Sunday In Ordinary Time

John 6:51

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."

Readings for Sunday: 1 Kings, Ephesians, John

Reflection:

Unliked many Protestant churches, we Catholics “always have communion.” Mass is offered every day, because it is essential to our faith. For humans, eating is more than sustenance; it’s a vehicle for love and friendship. Meals hold deep significance as forms of love, as seen in family gatherings and Jesus’ table fellowship. Moreover, when we eat, the food becomes part of us. The connection between food and love can especially be seen in marriage. When a man and woman desire to be permanently united, they marry. That loving union is expressed very specially in the consummation of the marriage.

Throughout the New Testament, heaven is described as a marriage feast, symbolizing the union of God and man in Jesus Christ. Jesus, the bridegroom, invites the Church, His bride, to this eternal feast. We reach heaven by partaking in the Eucharist.

This analogy underscores the connection between loving and eating, revealing the depth of Jesus’ statements like, “I am the bread of life.” There’s no guarantee we’ll reach heaven, as love cannot be forced. We must accept God’s invitation and remain faithful. The Eucharist is our sustenance for this journey, uniting us with Christ. At Mass, bread and wine become Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity, empowering us to stay close to Him and journey towards heaven. Thus, we always have communion to unite with Christ and be strengthened in our faith.

Reflection Questions

  • How does the analogy of a marriage feast deepen your understanding of the Eucharist and its significance in your spiritual journey?
  • In what ways can you more intentionally embrace the idea that meals, especially the Eucharist, are acts of love and unity with Christ and others?
  • Reflect on a time when participating in the Eucharist strengthened your faith. How can you carry that sense of unity and sustenance into your daily life?

18th Sunday In Ordinary Time

John 6:26-27

"Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life..."

Readings for Sunday: Exodus, Ephesians, John

Reflection:

Consider the event where Jesus fed 5000 people with just five loaves and two fish, which sets the stage for the Bread of Life discourse. This miracle revealed that many saw Jesus as a provider of physical sustenance, but they missed recognizing him as the Messiah and understanding his deeper message.

And so Jesus, explains; he preaches, urging us to seek eternal nourishment rather than just the perishable food of this world. By declaring himself the Bread of Life, he invites us to believe in him for true spiritual satisfaction. This is not about material blessings but about a complete commitment to Jesus and his teachings.

Reflecting on this, we must evaluate our motivations. Do we seek Jesus for material gains or for the profound transformation he offers? Are we willing to conform our lives to his example, striving for holiness and avoiding spiritual complacency? Let us embrace this call, live in Christ, and pursue eternal life with genuine faith and devotion.

Reflection Questions

  • In what ways might I be seeking Jesus for material or temporary gains, rather than for spiritual nourishment and transformation?
  • How can I deepen my commitment to living in Christ daily, striving for holiness and avoiding spiritual complacency?
  • What steps can I take to better recognize and embrace Jesus as the Bread of Life in my everyday life?

17th Sunday In Ordinary Time

John 6:5

he said to Philip, "Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?"

Readings for Sunday: 2 Kings, Ephesians, John

Reflection:

Today, we explore a significant event from the Gospel of John: the miraculous feeding of the 5000. At first glance, it’s a story of Jesus multiplying loaves and fish to feed a hungry crowd—an extraordinary display of his power. But as we dig deeper, we uncover layers of profound meaning that resonate with our faith today.

Imagine being among the crowd that day, witnessing Jesus take five loaves and two fish, give thanks, and miraculously provide for thousands. This act wasn’t just about satisfying physical hunger; it was a prelude to something greater—the institution of the Eucharist. By giving thanks (from the Greek eucharistein), Jesus foreshadowed the sacrament that would sustain his followers throughout history.

The twelve baskets of leftovers signify God’s abundant grace and the unity of his Church.

Jesus, fulfilling the hopes of his people as the promised Messiah, challenges earthly expectations by withdrawing from their attempts to make him king. His mission transcends political power; it is about spiritual nourishment and eternal life.

For us today, this miracle echoes in the celebration of the Eucharist. Just as the crowd experienced God’s provision that day, we too encounter Christ in the sacrament—receiving not just bread and wine, but his very body and blood. It’s an invitation to deeper faith and communion with God, reminding us that through the Eucharist, God continues to abundantly provide for his people, sustaining us on our journey of faith.

Reflection Questions

  • How does the miraculous feeding of the 5000 challenge your view of Jesus’ role in your life today?
  • Reflect on a moment when you felt spiritually nourished by participating in the Eucharist. How does this sacrament sustain your faith journey?
  • Considering the twelve baskets of leftovers, what does God’s abundant grace and provision mean for your understanding of community and unity within the Church?

16th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Psalm 23

"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want."

Readings for Sunday: Jeremiah, Ephesians, Mark

Reflection:

Reflecting on Psalm 23, we see our relationship with God as our shepherd, providing all we need, leading us to verdant pastures and restful waters, and refreshing our souls. This imagery highlights our dual nature: like sheep, we can be both foolish and wise in our spiritual journey.

Often, we place ourselves in danger by seeking worldly distractions over spiritual nourishment. Just as sheep might stand in fast-moving waters or chase after grain meant for steers, we might indulge in sinful behavior or presume an easy path to heaven, reflecting our spiritual foolishness.

Yet, Psalm 23 reassures us that even in dark valleys, we need not fear, for the Lord is at our side, guiding us with His rod and staff.

This mirrors the intelligent side of sheep, who recognize and follow their shepherd’s guidance. Our presence in church, despite worldly distractions, shows our awareness of the need for Jesus’ guidance.

Importantly, we must let Jesus shepherd us not just abstractly but genuinely. Are we truly following Jesus? Like sheep lagging behind or wandering off, we can be snatched by wolves. To follow Jesus, we must seek holiness and root sin out of our lives. By embracing His teachings and striving for holiness, we allow the Lord to truly shepherd us. Indeed, the Lord is our shepherd; there is nothing we shall want.

Reflection Questions

  • How do I pursue worldly distractions that threaten my spiritual well-being, like sheep chasing after unhealthy grain instead of nourishing pasture?
  • How can I more actively and genuinely allow Jesus to shepherd me in my daily life, seeking holiness and rooting out sin?
  • Reflecting on Psalm 23, where do I see evidence of the Lord’s guidance and blessings in my life, and how can I respond with deeper trust and commitment to following His path?

15th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Mark 6:7

"Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two"

Readings for Sunday: Amos, Ephesians, Mark

Reflection:

In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends out the Twelve, instructing them to rely on God’s providence as they engage in discipleship and evangelism. This gospel reflects the broader theme of God’s eternal plan and our role in it. While the Catholic Church is known for its doctrines, people often don’t realize that the doctrines provide boundaries to a field of faith, where a believer has room to run. For instance, the Assumption of Mary allows interpretations of whether she was taken up body and soul before or after death, symbolizing trust in God’s plan beyond our understanding. Yet the point is still the same: Christ’s victory over the power of sin and death that he extends to his Immaculately conceived human mother.

Similarly, creation can be viewed through various lenses—literal or evolutionary—emphasizing God as the ultimate source of life. The Incarnation raises the question of whether Jesus came solely in response to sin or was always intended to unite us to God, while at the same time saving us from sin. This aligns with the gospel’s message of trust and mission. God’s plan for us, conceived before time, is for us to be holy and united with Him through Jesus, destined for eternal adoption and to give glory to God. As Jesus sent out His disciples, we too are called to trust in God’s providence and actively participate in His eternal plan through discipleship and evangelism, spreading His love and grace.

Reflection Questions

  • In what ways can you actively participate in God’s plan through discipleship and evangelism, as exemplified by Jesus sending out the Twelve in Mark 6:7-13?
  • Reflecting on the idea that Jesus’ coming was part of God’s plan from the beginning, how does this influence your perception of your own role in God’s mission to spread love and grace?
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