9.28.24 ConCon

In the gospel, we see Jesus teach an important lesson through his dialogue with St. John about inclusivity in faith. He encourages us to recognize that just because someone isn’t part of our group, doesn’t mean they are against us. Instead, God wants all believers to share their faith and spread His message. This is important in a world that often feels divided. Jesus acknowledges that while some may stand against Him, many others, like His apostles and those He healed, are for Him. This invites us to embrace those who may not share our exact beliefs but still have a heart for goodness. Ultimately, we are called to focus on the common ground we share in our faith, helping everyone on their journey toward God.

In our faith journey, it's crucial to recognize that we share a common goal with others, even if we have differences. Focusing too much on what separates us can lead to division and criticism. Like Jesus, we should seek to unite with those around us, recognizing their efforts to do good. Instead of excluding others, we must strive to appreciate their contributions, as Jesus did, seeking the lost and broken. By embodying unity over division, we can truly fulfill the mission of love and reconciliation, bringing people together instead of pushing them away. This calls for humility and acknowledgment of others' strengths, reminding us that anyone who is not against us is, in some way, for us. Embracing our shared humanity and purpose will help us to reflect Christ's love to the world, fostering a community that honors both diversity and unity.

The apostles were worried about someone casting out devils in Jesus' name without their approval, showing their immature faith. It's important to remember that we all belong to God's kingdom and should celebrate others doing His work, instead of feeling threatened. We must also ensure we guide others towards God’s truth and love, especially the younger ones. Jesus warns that leading anyone to sin, particularly children, has serious consequences. While it's good to recognize others’ efforts in God’s service, we need to be careful about who truly represents His teachings. We should cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work in others and encourage everyone to grow in faith, rather than claiming exclusivity in God’s mission and message. Respecting and supporting each other in the faith journey strengthens God’s kingdom, while scandalous actions that mislead others call for serious reflection and repentance.

Living a life that reflects our faith is crucial, as our actions can greatly influence others, especially the young. Scandal arises when people in authority or influential positions behave in ways that lead others to sin or stray from God's teachings. It’s essential to examine our own behavior, ensuring we lead by example in faith, love, and honesty, encouraging the next generation to seek a deeper relationship with God. Instead of criticizing others, we should focus on how we can inspire good and support those who are struggling. Every deed, word, and attitude can either draw people closer to God or push them away, making it imperative to practice love, forgiveness, and integrity in our daily lives.

It is vital for us to evaluate how we live and what we teach to the younger generations. Our actions and examples deeply influence their understanding of good and evil. Jesus calls us to examine ourselves, removing anything that leads us away from Him, and to align all parts of ourselves with God's will. We cannot be partially good or evil; we must strive for full commitment. This journey is essential for our own growth as true saints, and it helps us inspire those around us to grow closer to God too, bringing everyone into a loving relationship with Him. Ultimately, our goal is to unify all aspects of our lives under God's guidance and encourage others to do the same.

Participating in Mass and receiving Holy Communion offers us a deep opportunity to grow spiritually and align our lives with God's will. At the beginning of Mass, we reflect on our shortcomings and seek forgiveness to heal and strengthen our connection with God and one another. This total communion is not just a personal journey; it extends into our relationships and roles in the community. We are called to be vessels of goodness and advocates against evil, letting our faith inspire us to act positively in the world. As we prepare to hear God’s word and receive Communion, let’s pray for healing and support in our lives and for those around us, aiming to be prophets of hope and goodness, both now and forever. God desires nothing less than our complete commitment to unity with Him and His Church.