There's something sobering about September. Summer ends, school is in full swing, and as we honor our labor (2), we're aware it's time to pick up the pace all around.

During Ordinary Time we get exposed to lessons in discipleship. The lesson this week includes a warning against spiritual jealousy.

God is not complicated. At least that's what we're told in "The Simple Song" included in Leonard Bernstein's Mass. Love is simple to understand, and God is the simplest of all, the lyrics and music conspire to persuade us.

The Letter of James rails against the rich in its last chapter, warning of impending miseries because of the corrosion of gold and silver causes. But one billionaire is trying to put his wealth to good purpose.

Our track record as a church is, alas, not much better than the rest of society. We have our own sad history of excluding people from our pews, our sacraments, our schools, only because of their accents or the color of their skin.

Like the crowds who followed Jesus, we seek him and ask him for forgiveness and healing as we prepare to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

My good works, however wretched and imperfect, have been made better and perfected by Him Who is my Lord.

Browse our library for additional Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B material.

Click here to view the Take Five weekly for September 29, 2024.