Homily for Thursday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel began with a comforting promise about how acts of kindness will be well rewarded. However, it then goes on to give stern warnings against scandal. Jesus' vivid remarks cannot be taken literally, as he does not actually want us to deform ourselves, cut off a hand, or gouge out an eye. He stresses the significance of the eternal over the temporal and the heavenly over earthly life, repeating the declaration: "Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it." (Mark 8:35)

He means that if we use our hands, feet, eyes, and other faculties solely to serve ourselves and never to serve others, we have no reward. But if we give ourselves generously now, our eternal future is assured. Life is for sharing what is ours and forming bonds with others. In such a lifestyle, even small acts of helpfulness have special meaning: "whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple—amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42)

The Letter of James puts this differently but even more directly. A greedy, profit-centered life, insensitive to other people's needs, will turn against us: "Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten, your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire." 

James is vigorous and outspoken on social justice, convinced that God does not forget the helpless of whom others take advantage and that the cries of the defenseless " have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts." This strong emphasis on social justice should instill in us a sense of responsibility and urgency in addressing the needs of others.