Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on the Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. September 23, 2018.

Reading 1 Wis 2:12, 17-20

The wicked say:Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;he sets himself against our doings,reproaches us for transgressions of the lawand charges us with violations of our training.Let us see whether his words be true;let us find out what will happen to him.For if the just one be the son of God, God will defend himand deliver him from the hand of his foes.With revilement and torture let us put the just one to the testthat we may have proof of his gentlenessand try his patience.Let us condemn him to a shameful death;for according to his own words, God will take care of him.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6 and 8

R. (6b) The Lord upholds my life.O God, by your name save me,and by your might defend my cause.O God, hear my prayer;hearken to the words of my mouth.R. The Lord upholds my life.For the haughty men have risen up against me,the ruthless seek my life;they set not God before their eyes.R. The Lord upholds my life.Behold, God is my helper;the Lord sustains my life.Freely will I offer you sacrifice;I will praise your name, O LORD, for its goodness.R. The Lord upholds my life.

Reading 2 Jas 3:16—4:3

Beloved:Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,then peaceable, gentle, compliant,full of mercy and good fruits,without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peacefor those who cultivate peace.Where do the warsand where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passionsthat make war within your members? You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain;you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. You ask but do not receive,because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.Alleluia Cf. 2 Thes 2:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia.God has called us through the Gospelto possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee,but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them,“The Son of Man is to be handed over to menand they will kill him,and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying,and they were afraid to question him.They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house,he began to ask them,“What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent.They had been discussing among themselves on the waywho was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them,“If anyone wishes to be first,he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst,and putting his arms around it, he said to them,“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me;and whoever receives me,receives not me but the One who sent me.”