Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homily on September 22, 2024.

Cycle B

First ReadingWisdom 2:12,17-20

The just one is put to the test.

Responsorial PsalmPsalm 54:3-4,5,6 & 8A

prayer for God’s protection.

Second ReadingJames 3:16—4:3

James teaches about the wisdom from above.

Gospel ReadingMark 9:30-37

Jesus teaches his disciples that the greatest are those who serve all.

How difficult is it to be a just person in today’s society? How challenging is it to do the right thing without facing criticism? And how hard is it to stand up against injustice in the world? The First Reading from the Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 2:12, 17-20) reflects on the trials faced by a just person who strives to live righteously. From the perspective of the wicked, the just one is a constant irritant because he exposes their faults, opposes their way of life and reproaches their transgressions against the law.

In this context, a just person may question their role in society, the value of living righteously, the presence of God amid suffering caused by the wicked, and the meaning of justice today. The Book of Wisdom provides a profound response to these questions, teaching us about the ultimate purpose and reward of the righteous (wo is son of God)[1]. The just person experiences the closeness of the Lord through the words of the author, who speaks to those who endure suffering for their religious fidelity. He urges them to strengthen their faith, trust in the enduring value of their ancestral traditions, and believe in the promise of divine justice[2].

If we aim to be just in our world, we too will face many challenges (“Let us humble and torture him to prove his self-control and test his patience”). People may perceive our presence as uncomfortable, even antagonistic, because we represent a call to higher standards and accountability. Therefore, we must strengthen our faith and trust that if we walk in God’s way, we are on the right path. As the Psalmist reminds us: “The Lord upholds my life” (Psalm 54:3-4, 5, 6, and 8). God defends our cause, hears our prayer, and sustains us in our struggles.

The Second Reading from the Letter of James (James 3:16—4:3) continues along the same line, calling us to be aware of the disorder within us—our uncontrolled desires and selfish ambitions. Saint James asks, “Where do the wars and conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that wage war within you?” (James 4:1).

If we recognize the impact of our actions and the turmoil caused by jealousy and self-centeredness, we can change ourselves and, by extension, transform the world. “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace” (James 3:18). We are invited to seek “the wisdom from above [which] is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity” (James 3:17).

In today’s Gospel from Saint Mark (Mark 9:30-37), we encounter Jesus teaching his disciples, yet they do not understand his message and are afraid to ask him for clarification. Instead, they begin arguing among themselves about who is the greatest. Jesus challenges their notion of greatness by saying, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

What does it mean for us to be “the greatest” in our society, our families, or our Church? Jesus redefines greatness as service, humility, and selflessness. To be “first” is to choose the last place, to serve others rather than dominate them. In a world that often prizes power and status, Jesus invites us to adopt a different standard—a standard of humble service and genuine care for others.

In short, today’s readings call us to reflect on what it means to live justly and to serve humbly. To be a person of justice is to endure challenges and face criticism, but it is also to live in the confidence that God upholds and strengthens us. Let us seek the wisdom from above, strive for peace, and follow the path of true greatness as taught by Christ—through humility, service, and love.

[1] Cf., TABET Miguel Ángel, “Introducción al Antiguo Testamento. III Libros poéticos y sapienciales”, Palabra 2007, 236.

[2] Cf. Ibid., 244.