In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus’ words emphasize the gravity with which we must consider our words and actions and their impact on others. Leading others away from God’s will merits a frightening justice that is likened to a horrific drowning. Likewise, Jesus stresses the importance of our commitment to living faithfully and to remove any and all barriers towards that end. As recovering people who are Catholic, we can see how avoiding the people, places, and things that tempt us back into addiction are also “near occasions of sin” that we are to avoid to remain free. Many of us have experienced the repercussions of placing ourselves in situations where temptations arise and cause us to slip or even relapse. Cutting off people who trigger our addictive impulses and severing ties with places and things that similarly tempt us exemplify what Jesus is revealing to the recovering person in Mark’s Gospel. May we heed His wisdom and warning and seek the courage to stay clear of the triggers and near occasions of sin that lead us back into the cycle of addiction.

Reflection Questions

• What treasures and talents has God given you that can benefit others? How have you used those gifts to help others?
• What are the “people, places, and things” and near occasions of sin that you commonly face in your daily recovery journey? What strategies do you apply to deal with them in a healthy way?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: James 5:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 49:14-15ab, 15cd-16, 17-18, 19-20
Gospel: Mark 9:41-50

Reflection by Mark L.