First Reading: Ws 2:12.17-20; Psalm: 54. R. v. 6b; Second Reading: Jas 3:16-4:3; Gospel: Mk 9:30-37

“WHAT WERE YOU DISCUSSING ON THE WAY?”

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Often times, as we listen to the gospels, it sounds more like a reported narrative lacking taste and enthusiasm. This is because we read the gospels as though it is a mere story of a certain Jesus of Galilee who did many wonderful things. But if we read the gospels differently, we would discover that it is packed with soul transforming messages that is ever new and never outdated. And to this fact, it is sacrilegious to consider the gospel a mere story.

I’d like to suggest to us another way of reading and praying the gospels that could perhaps help us internalise the gospel message of today. It is called ‘Imaginative contemplation.’ Saint Ignatius was certain that one of the evocative ways through which Christ speaks to us is surely through our imagination. Imaginative contemplation is not merely creating a mental picture of the gospel but making those events of Christ’s life present to us right now. It involves placing ourselves in the scene of the gospel as though it is happening right now. And actively following and listening to every detail of the events especially the actions and words of Christ addressed to us directly. It also involves the consciousness of our reactions and dispositions to internalise the gospel messages. If we followed the gospel of today in this manner, we would hear Christ asking us directly; “What were you discussing on the way?”

Of course our answers would be dissimilar to that of the apostles because most definitely we were discussing something different. While the apostles were discussing something of their immediate interest; we could be discussing or planning something that pertains to our own immediate interest as well. Like, how will I take my revenge on that neighbour? What excuse will I give to dodge my responsibility in Church or my responsibility as a parent? How can I find my way out of this boring marriage? Where can I find a more romantic partner? How do I divert some of these funds to my pocket? How do I take that competitor out of my way? What lies would I tell to asperse the good name of that adversary? What should I do to destroy the progress and happiness of that neighbour? We can go on and on with our thoughts and secret plans. But we must not fail to find Jesus within our space asking; “What are you discussing on the way?”

The question “What were you discussing on the way?” should not be interpreted literally else we may feel not addressed. The phrase “. . . on the way” should not be seen merely as a ‘physical path’ but as ‘following Jesus.’ Recall that Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me” (Jn 14:6). So put differently, we can say that Jesus is asking us; “What are you discussing following me?” or “What are you discussing as my disciple?” As Christian believers therefore, we must bear in mind that we are constantly on the way whether in our homes, on a journey, in the streets, workplaces, and wherever we find ourselves. Christ is that way; so, Christ is never absent from our space, for we continually follow him daily. So, “What are you discussing on the way?”

Did the Disciples of Christ give any reply to this question? They couldn’t say anything because they were disappointed and ashamed of what they argued about in place of what was more important – the imminent passion of their master. Often times what we think and discuss secretly or in the gathering of our cohorts are sinful, shameful and unimportant. But again, let’s place ourselves in the scene of today’s gospel and see what Christ did next. Christ puts a child in front of us as a model to follow. To the disciples, the child was a model of humility. But to us the child could be a model of innocence in our thoughts and doings. In imaginative contemplation, Christ speaks to us in relation to our immediate needs, thoughts, and actions. “What are you discussing on the way?”

As disciples of Christ on the way, this is an everyday question that we need to listen to. Our thoughts towards one another must be pure and holy, and not sinful and evil like the ungodly men in our first reading. Evil thoughts and actions are destructive to families, friends and the entire body of Christ. As Saint James asked in our second reading; “What causes wars, and what causes fighting among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members? You desire and do not have; so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain; so you fight and wage war” (4:1-2). But if we imitated the innocence of a child in our thoughts and actions, we will be building God’s kingdom on earth. As we journey with Christ today through imaginative contemplation, we can keep musing on his question: “What are you discussing on the way?”

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, we recognise that most often we are selfish in our needs and aspirations. We ask pardon for the many times we sinned through our thoughts and actions; and we ask your grace upon us to be childlike in witnessing to you as your disciples. Amen.