Am I a part time Christian? Am I a fair weather Christian?

To read the Texts, click on the Texts: Sirach 5:1-8; Mk 9:42-50

This pericope contains a series of sayings against those who cause scandal and lead others to sin. The “little ones who believe in me” points backward to the “little children” received in Jesus’ name. Anyone who scandalises or causes someone else to stumble is a danger to those who believe. "To cause to stumble" indicates a loss of faith. Jesus’ language here seems harsh, but he is not asking individuals to maim parts of their body. Rather he is using these striking metaphors to drive home powerfully the point he wants to make, namely: that no one and nothing must be allowed to compromise the kingdom. The metaphors reflect how important striving for the kingdom is. A disciple of Jesus must be prepared to forego anything for the sake of the kingdom.

These sayings challenge us to examine the quality of our discipleship. Is following Christ at the core of our being, something too precious to be surrendered lightly? Or is our Christianity merely a matter of taste and convenience, something we shelve at the slightest difficulty or inconvenience? Belief that is easily set aside cannot be the faith that Jesus calls for among his disciples.

Christianity is not a private religion, but one which is open to all. A Christian is called to be like leaven in dough, like a lamp on a lamp stand, like salt in food. Our behaviour in public sometimes results in leading others away from God and Jesus. Those who see our behaviour and know that we are disciples of Jesus are not inspired to follow him. Christ today is made visible and tangible through the words and actions of those of us who believe in him and so we have an enormous responsibility to make him known and draw others to him. People must be able to see him in us.