Year B - Sunday 25
Readings: Wisdom 2:17-20; James 3:16–4:3; Mark 9:30–37
The forms of domination which can be noticed around us are many: sexism, racism, environmental destruction, militarism, ageism, patriarchy, clericalism, imperialism, specism, heterosexism, classism, ablism, ... The list seems to be endless. All types of domination stem from the evil desire of control; people wanting to manipulate others, involuntarily coercing them to their own will. These power-mongers are very often ruthless, whether they exist within families, amongst neighbours, at the workplace, or in government. The selection from the Book of Wisdom intimates how such people might think. James, furthermore, gets down to pointing out that every desire of dominion over others originates from jealousy and selfish ambition, and only begets disorder and every vile practice.
Jesus wholeheartedly condemns any domination whatsoever. He transforms power into service, and clearly shows that, if his chosen are to be together ― as they should be ― than their society must be one of equals working jointly for the benefit of all. Domination is ruled out altogether, and the norm of ‘one for all and all for one’ is established.
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