Pride and the God who upholds

    Americans pride themselves on being ruggedly independent. The refrain from today’s Psalm speaks to the theme of this week’s Bible readings for Mass by reminding us of how it is really God who upholds our lives. Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the divine sustenance that God provides among the challenges and complexities of life by encouraging us to seek wisdom, cultivate peace, and embrace humility.

    In Wisdom 2:12, 17-20, we encounter a stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The passage reveals the hostility that the righteous often face from those who reject God’s ways. The wicked plot against the just, proclaiming, “Let us lie in wait for the righteous, because he is inconvenient to us.” Yet, the message from the Book of Wisdom is that we can be assured that God upholds the righteous, even in the face of persecution. The righteous person, who seeks to live according to God’s will, is ultimately sustained by divine providence. This passage reminds us that while we may encounter trials and opposition, we are not abandoned. God’s presence and support fortify us, providing the strength to endure and persevere. The assurance that God upholds our lives invites us to trust in His justice, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to righteousness, knowing that our ultimate vindication comes from Him.

    In his letter (3:16-4:3), St. James continues this theme by addressing the discord and conflict that can arise among believers. James writes, “For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.” This passage highlights the importance of wisdom from above, which is characterized by purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy. When we seek God’s wisdom, we find guidance that upholds our lives and fosters harmony within our communities. The call to humility is paramount here; it reminds us that our desires and ambitions should align with God’s will rather than our selfish inclinations. When we cultivate a heart that seeks God’s wisdom, we are upheld by His grace, enabling us to navigate conflicts with love and understanding. This passage invites us to reflect on how our actions and motivations align with the divine wisdom that God offers, recognizing that true fulfillment comes not from selfish ambition, but from a life grounded in love and service.
 

    In Mark 9:30-37, Jesus teaches His disciples about the nature of true greatness in the Kingdom of God. After predicting His suffering and death, He emphasizes that “whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” This radical inversion of worldly values challenges our understanding of success and significance. Jesus embodies the ultimate example of how God upholds our lives through service and humility. By welcoming a child, He illustrates that greatness in God’s eyes is found in our willingness to serve the most vulnerable and marginalized. This teaching encourages us to reflect on how we can uphold the lives of others through acts of service and compassion. When we serve others, we participate in God’s sustaining work in the world, recognizing that our lives are intertwined with those around us.

    Together, these readings weave a rich tapestry of how God upholds our lives through righteousness, wisdom, and service. They invite us to consider our responses to the challenges we face. Are we seeking God’s wisdom in our decisions? Are we striving for peace and humility in our relationships? Are we willing to serve others, particularly those who are marginalized or in need? The theme of God upholding our lives is a profound reminder of His unwavering support and guidance. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us lean into His wisdom, embrace humility, and commit ourselves to serving others. By doing so, we not only experience God’s sustaining grace in our own lives but also become instruments of His love and mercy in the world. May we trust in God’s providence, knowing that He upholds us through every trial and calls us to reflect His character in our interactions with others.