Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Much as we might like to think differently, we are greatly affected by the culture around us. This was true for the early church as well. The message of the gospel ought to have changed everything for Jesus’ first followers. And it ought to change everything for us as well. Unfortunately, this just is not always the case. In today’s first reading from James, we receive challenging practical advice. The particular subject for today concerns the treatment of the rich and the poor. In most societies, honor is given to the rich – to those who possess valuable jewelry or nice clothing. These outward signs of wealth make an impression on others, and the result is a certain level of respect. James, however, insists that this partiality toward the rich is problematic, especially when it is accompanied by ill treatment of the poor. James is instructing us to see the world through God’s eyes. God values the poor, choosing them to be “rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom” (cf. Jas. 2:5). We ought to do the same and adjust our actions to this impartial worldview where all people are valued. James even takes this one step further by identifying this partiality as a sin.

In today’s gospel passage from Mark, Jesus seems to be pressing the disciples to see the world through God’s eyes. For a moment, it seems as if Peter has accomplished this. He recognizes that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. This is a crucial moment of recognition; Peter has seen the truth. And yet, what follows reveals that Peter is not seeing the world as Jesus sees it. Peter protests Jesus’ prediction of his suffering and death. Hence Jesus tells him, “You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Mk. 8:33).

Seeing the world through God’s eyes and thinking as God does is an everyday challenge for Christians. James seems to appreciate this with his practical advice. Peter’s moment of recognition followed by confusion is further evidence of this. For we who hear or read these passages today, we must ask ourselves the difficult questions. Do we strive to see the world through God’s eyes? Do we urge ourselves to act according to this worldview? Do we try to think as God does? As you reflect on these questions, try to identify one area where you need to see things through God’s eyes. It may involve your relationships with other people, the environment, or even your perception of yourself. Let us pray for the grace to see the world truthfully and act accordingly.

- Maria Morrow