Sublimating the Drive for Power

This Sunday’s Gospel explores the human desire for power. Jesus teaches His disciples—and us—that true greatness comes not from authority or dominance, but from service and sacrificial love. We are called to sublimate our natural drives for power, pleasure, and possessions for nobler purposes. Jesus exemplifies this through His life, urging us to transform authority into humble service.

Jesus, Our Only Treasure

The encounter between Jesus and the rich young man in Mark 10 reveals that true fulfillment lies not in wealth but in following Christ. Jesus challenges the young man to let go of his possessions and embrace Him as the only treasure worth seeking. Our vocation calls for humility, detachment, and trust, for only by meeting Christ personally can we experience the fullness of life.

Inheritance

In Mark 10:17-30, Jesus responds to a wealthy man’s question about inheriting eternal life by inviting him to sell his possessions and follow Him. The young man’s struggle reveals that the real challenge lies not in wealth itself, but in trusting God over material security. This gospel invites us to reflect on what we rely on—our riches or God’s providence—and challenges us to embrace a spirit of detachment and generosity in order to inherit the Kingdom of God.

Bypassing the Middlemen of the Kingdom

In today’s Gospel, Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ question about divorce by pointing to the divine intention of marriage as an indissoluble bond, contrasting human laws with God’s deeper purpose. He also welcomes children with open arms, teaching us to embrace simplicity and openness in our faith. These two incidents challenge us to reflect on how we interpret God’s laws and whether we create barriers for others in their journey to Christ.

Authentic Love

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 10:2-16), Jesus teaches about the sacredness and indissolubility of marriage, reflecting God’s perfect, unconditional love for us. The Pharisees test Him with a question about divorce, but Jesus highlights that true love, whether in marriage or our relationship with God, is irrevocable, self-giving, and pure. He calls us to live this holy love in our commitments, just as God has committed to us for eternity.

Welcoming other people’s gifts

In today’s readings, we are challenged to recognize and welcome the gifts of others, even those who may not share our faith. Like Fr. Jojo in Tai-O, who opened his heart to people from different backgrounds, we are called to embrace the gifts of others for the growth of our community. Jesus teaches us that “whoever is not against us is for us,” reminding us to promote inclusivity, unity, and openness in our lives.

God of Small Things

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Mk 9:38-48), the disciples struggle with insecurity when they encounter someone outside their group casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus teaches them, and us, to appreciate the work of others for the Kingdom, even when expressed differently. The message is clear: small acts done in love, like offering a glass of water in His name, are precious to God. He is the “God of small things,” valuing pure intentions over grand gestures.

One Road and Two Journeys

Today’s Gospel reveals two central themes: the Messianic secret and the disciples’ debate about greatness. Jesus’ mission as the Universal Christ is a call to sacrificial love, transcending boundaries, while the disciples’ misunderstanding of power highlights our own struggles for recognition. Jesus invites us to embrace the deeper meaning of His Kingdom—one built on humility, self-offering, and transcending human instincts.

Following Christ: The Path of Selflessness and Faithfulness

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples the true meaning of greatness. While they were preoccupied with earthly status, He reminds them that to be first in His Kingdom, one must be last and serve all. This message challenges us to reject the human tendency to seek personal gain in our faith and instead embrace a life of selfless service, rooted in love for God without measure.