First Reading - Ecclesiasticus 4:12-22
Gospel - Mark 9:38-40
The first reading personifies wisdom as a loving mother who nurtures and protects those who seek her. Wisdom leads to honor, security, and ultimately to a deeper relationship with God. But it requires effort and commitment. To embrace wisdom, we must be willing to learn, to be disciplined, and to persevere through challenges. Wisdom does not force herself upon us; rather, she invites us to walk in her ways, and in doing so, we find life’s true meaning.
In the Gospel, we encounter a moment where John, one of Jesus’ disciples, is troubled because someone outside their group is casting out demons in Jesus’ name. John sees this as a threat, but Jesus responds with an unexpected lesson: “Whoever is not against us is for us.” Jesus challenges the disciples—and us—to move beyond a narrow, exclusive mindset. God’s work is not limited to one group or one way of thinking. His grace is active in ways we may not always recognize.
This speaks directly to our lives. Sometimes, we are tempted to believe that God only works through those who belong to our circle, our community, or our way of thinking. We may struggle with pride, believing that we alone have the right understanding of faith and righteousness. But Jesus reminds us that the Spirit moves freely, working through people and situations beyond our expectations.
Are we open to recognizing God’s wisdom in unexpected places? Do we embrace humility, knowing that we do not hold a monopoly on truth? Do we appreciate and encourage the good that others do, even if they are different from us?
Today’s readings invite us to seek wisdom, to be open to God’s work beyond our limited vision, and to celebrate the goodness wherever it is found. Let us pray for the grace to walk in wisdom, to remain open-hearted, and to recognize that all who work for God’s kingdom, in whatever way, are truly our brothers and sisters in Christ.
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