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Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B

Friends, today we are celebrating the twenty-fifth Sunday of ordinary time year b, we exalt Jesus Christ the son of God. He is the wisdom that came down from heaven to serve humanity. Our mother church invites us once again as always to listen to Christ, and to follow his example by living an orderly and peaceful life. Brothers and sisters, readings of this Sunday call us to a deeper understanding of humility, wisdom, and service. They challenge us to live out our faith in practical ways, showing love and care for others. Friends, as we reflect on these messages, let us commit to following Christ’s example in our daily lives. We pray that the Lord may grant us true wisdom to seek his will above our own and help us to serve others with humility and love.

In the Book of Wisdom, unbelievers are called “godless.” Who made up this group of “godless people”? In the first place, there were the rich pagans, then there were other educated people who thinking they were better informed than the rest, despised the Jews who lived among them. Some of these godless formed a group that took pride in engaging in violent attacks, insults, and calumnies against the believers. Today’s first reading tells us what the godless at a certain point decide to do; “let us lay traps for the upright man, let us test him with cruelty and with torture, let us condemn him to a shameful death.” The first reading speaks of the just person suffering because of their righteousness. The wicked plot against the just, trying to see if God will save them. This passage reminds us that living a righteous life may lead to suffering and opposition.

Brothers and sisters, the first reading is fulfilled in the life of Christ, it points to Christ the Son of God, who was put to death by jealous and wicked people. As a righteous man, Jesus reproached and condemned the ambitious Pharisees and scribes of his time. They took offense, and so, persecuted and crucified Christ. This reading is also fulfilled in the life of all those who suffer unjust persecutions today for being true and just. Friends, like Christ, sometimes, we are persecuted by our enemies, and by even by our friends for doing the right thing. However, we must remain steadfast because God will surely vindicate us as he vindicated Christ. We can learn from this reading that true wisdom is not always appreciated. Sometimes, doing the right thing brings challenges and hardships. However, we are called to remain faithful and trust that God sees and knows our struggles. The first reading helps us understand that wisdom from God leads us on a path that may not be easy, but it is the right path. We should seek wisdom that brings peace, righteousness, and a closer relationship with God. Staying true to this wisdom, even when it is hard, is our call as Christians.

Friends, the second reading of today from the Letter of James speaks about the conflicts that arise from selfish desires. James urges us to seek peace and righteousness instead of giving in to jealousy and selfish ambition. He reminds us that true wisdom comes from God and leads to good deeds. Brothers and sisters, righteous living means putting God’s will above our desires. It involves seeking peace, being gentle, and showing mercy. These actions reflect God’s wisdom and bring harmony into our lives and communities. Our second reading reminds us of the importance of focusing sincerely on the things that unite us rather than on the ones that divide us. We all desire a harmonious life, yet many Christian communities, families, and homes live in frequent conflicts and disorder. Brothers and sisters, as much as conflicts are inevitable in life, we must not allow them to tear us apart. Sadly, the root of most of such conflicts is selfish ambitions. James’ message encourages us to examine our motives and actions. Are we driven by selfishness, or are we seeking to live in a way that honors God and serves others? By choosing righteousness and peace, we align our lives with God’s will.

Friends, in today’s gospel, Jesus foretells his imminent suffering, death, and resurrection. Unfortunately, instead of reflecting on what Christ was saying, his disciples were busy quarreling secretly over who was the greatest. Of course, their argument was aimed at the earthly government they imagined that Christ had come to establish. So, like the community that James wrote to, Jesus’ disciples were experiencing a conflict of interest. Brothers and sisters, this is what we often see in any society, church, family, and indeed anywhere that personal ambition is considered more important than anything else. There, we see infighting, gossip, indifference, aggression, threats to lives and properties, hatred, and all sorts of vices. All these, come at the expense of the common good and peaceful coexistence. Wherever these exist, there can be no progress, prosperity, and peace. Therefore, by using a child as an example for us today, Jesus is simply teaching us that we have to become like children to be great. Of course, this does not mean being childish. Rather, it means being childlike.

Friends, being childlike means, we have to live our lives in humble service to God and one another. Jesus tells us that whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all. He then places a child in our midst, showing us that welcoming the least is welcoming Him. Brothers and sisters, this lesson on humility and service is crucial for us. Jesus turns the idea of greatness upside down. Instead of seeking power and status, He calls us to serve others, especially those who are vulnerable and in need. By serving others with humility, we follow Jesus’ example. It is not about being noticed or praised but about genuine care and love for others. This is how we live out our faith and show the world the love of Christ.

Friends, to be great is to be focused on something other than oneself. It means our ability to accommodate, welcome, and work in harmony with others just as children always do. It also means the readiness to accept the truth and, to reflect positively on it. The Lord be with you …. May the almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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