Readings: Hebrews 3:7-14; Psalm 95; Mark 1:40-45
In the First Reading, the author warns his readers to beware of a rebellious heart, a hardened heart, a wicked mind, an unbelieving heart, and a backsliding spirit.
Let’s think about what he says about a wicked mind.
“Take care, brothers, that there is not in any one of your community a wicked mind.”
A wicked mind is a mind that thinks and wishes evil to happen to another person. It is a heart that suffers from the cancer of hatred, unforgiveness, and bitterness. It is a mind that is angry and envious of the success of others, a heart that is unmoved by the suffering of others. It is a mind that spreads news that can destroy the peace and wellbeing of others, a mind that repays good with evil.
In Philippians 2:5, St. Paul says that we should have the mind, which was in Christ Jesus. Which mind is in Christ Jesus?
Today’s Gospel tells us – it is a mind moved by the suffering of others, a mind that touches the untouchable that shows compassion for an outcast. It is a mind that respects authority and does not desire vainglory. This is the kind of mind that we should have.
Jesus- pure, compassionate, meek, and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto yours.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on January 12, 2022