Teach me your ways, O Lord. — Psalm 25:4

Mass readings: 2 Timothy 2:8-15 / Mark 12:28-34 

No Foolish Debates 

Robert Runcie, former Archbishop of Canterbury, once quipped that “The church is like a swimming pool: all the splashing goes on at the shallow end.” I believe he was echoing St. Paul who in today’s first reading warns us against “disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.” What he’s saying is that when we talk about our faith we’re to talk out of our prayer and experience of God rather than “foolish and ignorant debates.” 

This is another reminder to focus on the mystery of our faith and in that way witness to our belief in Jesus. Paul sternly tells us we “can depend on this: If we hold out to the end, we shall reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.” 

Prayer: Faithful God, lead us to acknowledging your Son, Jesus, and all that He taught.