I trusted in your love, Lord. My heart rejoices in your help, and may I sing to you for the good you have done for me! (Ps 12:6)

Greed for power, worldliness, pride, all of this grows in the hearts of those who have not established themselves on the path of discipleship to Christ: the path of service and humility. Let us entrust our care to the Lord, like children who depend on their parents, and celebrate with the desire to grow on the path of the Gospel, as we begin a new stage of Ordinary Time. First Reading: James 4:1-10 Reading of the letter of Saint James – Dear friends, 1where do wars come from? Where do the fights between you come from? Don't they come, precisely, from the passions that are in conflict within you? 2You covet, but you cannot have. You kill and cultivate envy, but you cannot succeed. You fight and make war, but you cannot possess. And the reason is that you don't ask. 3Yes, you ask, but you do not receive, because you ask badly. Because you just want to waste the request on your pleasures. 4You adulterers, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Thus, everyone who pretends to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5Or do you think it is in vain that the Scripture says: “The spirit that dwells in us yearns with jealousy”? 6But he gives us greater grace. Therefore, Scripture says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7Therefore obey God, but resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw closer to God, and he will draw closer to you. Purify your hands, you sinners, and sanctify your hearts, you double-minded men. 9 Be sad, put on mourning and weep. Let your laughter turn into mourning, and your joy into despair. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. - Word of the Lord. Responsorial Psalm: 54(55) Entrust your care to the Lord, / and he will be your support! 1. That's why I say in anguish: † “I wish I had the wings of a dove / and flew to find rest! / I would then run away / and hide in the desert. – R. 2. I would quickly find a refuge † against the wind, the storm, the typhoon”. / O Lord, I have confused evil tongues. – R. 3. Disperse them, because in the city † you only see violence and discord! / Day and night surround its walls. – R. 4. Cast your care on the Lord, / because he will be your support / and he will never allow / the righteous to falter forever! – R. Gospel: Mark 9,30-37 Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah. My glory is the cross of the Lord Christ Jesus, / by which the world has been crucified to me and I to this world (Gal 6:14). – R. Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Mark – At that time, 30Jesus and his disciples were crossing Galilee. He did not want anyone to know this, 31because he was teaching his disciples. And he said to them: “The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. But three days after his death, he will rise again.” 32But the disciples did not understand these words and were afraid to ask. 33They arrived at Capernaum. While they were at home, Jesus asked them: “What were you discussing on the way?” 34But they remained silent, because along the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35Jesus sat down, called the twelve together and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, let him be last of all and the one who serves all!” 36Then he took a child, placed him in their midst and, hugging him, said: 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these children in my name is the one he welcomes. And whoever welcomes me is welcoming not me, but the one who sent me.” – Word of salvation. Reflection: Jesus' disciples discuss a common topic in society at all times. They talk about business: purchases, sales, profits, success... It is known that, in order to become rich and powerful, some people do not hesitate to exploit others, resorting to bribes and hidden theft. Sometimes using social position, influence and a lot of money. They form an oppressive society, devoid of ethical and moral values. Jesus walks in the opposite direction. For everyone he wants a dignified life, fraternal relationships, a spirit of sharing and equality. This is the Father's project. This is the flag raised and supported by the Son of Man, who, for defending this cause, dies on the cross. Confirming that Jesus fought for a just cause, the Father resurrects him from the dead. His fight was not in vain. (Day by day with the Gospel 2024)