Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 15 September 2024
First Reading: Isaiah 50: 5-9a
The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
This passage of reading is also taken during the Lenten Season, in this prophecy about Jesus Christ’s passion. Prophet Isaiah described the suffering of the Son of God, even though he had the power to reject it. We are reminded that Christ accepted such humiliation for the redemption of mankind.
Our reflection today should be –how do we respond to insult and humiliation? In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 116: 1-6, 8-9
For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I walk before the Lord in the land of the living. (8-9)
Amen, Alleluia!
Second Reading: James 2: 14-18
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? (14)
So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. (17)
St. James gives us practical life lessons today. He clarifies that faith must be backed up by the work that needs to be done! Offering us an example, he reckons that when we encounter a person in need of clothing or food; we must provide for their basic bodily needs first!
We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us, as to who may be in need and how we could provide for the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Alleluia: Galatians 6: 14
Alleluia! May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 8: 27-35
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (34)
We ask the Lord GOD to let us recognize our crosses today. Let us keep our ears open. We also ask the Lord God to reveal to us our blind spots! Let us ask for the grace to worthily carry our crosses and follow Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
