Sunday, September 19, 2021 – XXV Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20, Psalm54 “The Lord upholds my life”, James 3:16 - 4:3, Mark 9:30-37

   My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, National Hispanic Heritage Month is held annually from September 15 through October 15 and celebrates the culture and recognizes the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off in mid-September because it’s when more than a half-dozen countries celebrate their independence from Spain. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate on September 15 while September 16, or Sixteenth, is when Mexico celebrates its independence and September 18 is Chili’s independence day. Let us celebrate and enjoy the National Hispanic Heritage Month. We as a church blessed with the cultural diversity of people from all over the world, and we thank our brothers and sisters with Hispanic Heritage for your contribution in diverse ways to the church. In today's gospel Mark tells us how the disciples responded to the second prediction of the passion of Jesus Christ. But the disciples did not understand what he said and they were afraid to ask him instead they started their own discussion group about power and prestige. When they got to Capernaum, Jesus asked them “what were you arguing about on the way?” they remained silent. It is in that silence that Jesus takes a little child, sets him in front of them, puts his arms around the child, and challenges his disciples to accept the little one. When they can welcome that little child, they can welcome the real Jesus.
Jesu compares himself to the little child, the one who cannot resort to power tactics when threatened or maltreated. Jesus’ protection is his father; his trust is placed in the God who will ensure his protection. When suffering comes, Jesus refuses to abandon trust in the Father. That trust makes him vulnerable, like a little child, but unless the disciples can come to welcome that vulnerability they will never understand the way of Jesus. Jesus offers a permanent challenge to his followers to welcome the powerless, to take to heart the weakest members of the community. He places himself in their company. Special hospitality should be offered to those from whom we can benefit the last. Their vulnerability is something that Jesus not only shares but values. May the Lord bless us with his presence, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Fr. Paschal Chester, svd