Thursday, February 23, 2017 - 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 9:41-50

This pericope contains a series of sayings against t`ose who cause scandal and other to sin. Anyone who scandalises or causes someone else to stumble is a danger to those who believe. 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.

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. Mahatma Gandhi himself was inspired by Christ, but he was quite clear not by Christians. 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.