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b'(Ws.2:12,17-20;\\xa0\\xa0 Ps.54:3-8;\\xa0\\xa0 Jas.3:16-4:3;\\xa0\\xa0 Mk.9:30-37)\\xa0 \\u201cWhere jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.\\u201d And can there be any greater foul practice come from jealousy and selfish ambition than that of which we hear in our first reading from the Book of Wisdom, for here the wicked plot the death of the Son of God \\u2013 here is spoken of the horrible persecutions which the Messiah and all His followers undergo at the hands of the proud souls: \\u201cWith revilement and torture let us put the just one to the test that we may have proof of His gentleness and try His patience.\\u201d\\xa0 And so the Lamb of God shall endure His \\u201cshameful death,\\u201d according to the dark threats they breathe. \\u201cThe haughty have risen up against me, the ruthless seek my life; they set not God before their eyes,\\u201d David cries unto the Lord.\\xa0 He too knows those who \\u201ckill and envy,\\u201d who \\u201cfight and wage war\\u201d against the righteous one because he puts them to shame, because he \\u201creproaches [them] for transgressions of the law,\\u201d his justice and truth ever a sign of contradiction against \\u201cthe passions that make war in [their] members,\\u201d from which they refuse to be released. But it is indeed so, as even their own words condemn the wicked, that \\u201cGod will take care of [the just one],\\u201d that \\u201cGod will defend him and deliver him from the hand of his foes.\\u201d\\xa0 \\u201cBehold, God is my helper; the Lord sustains my life,\\u201d David exclaims in the midst of his trial \\u2013 for indeed the help of the Lord is ever with us; He shall always \\u201cdefend [our] cause.\\u201d\\xa0 And the wicked shall ever be put to death for their sins against Him. And what of the disciples today?\\xa0 It is true that \\u201cthey had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.\\u201d\\xa0 At this point in the journey they still are \\u201carguing about\\u201d petty matters which lead but to condemnation, even as Jesus speaks of His imminent death.\\xa0 But their vain pride shall not last the day.\\xa0 For even in the Lord\\u2019s placing a child in their midst there is a kind of turning point; ashamed they can only be now, and soon, so soon, they will follow their blessed Lord to their own cross of crucifixion.\\xa0 Set yourselves on the right path, brothers and sisters.\\xa0 Be not afraid to ask the Lord of His way and of the help you need to follow.\\xa0 But do not ask in vain or your evil desires will destroy you, and you shall not know His kingdom.\\xa0 Let no jealousy rule your hearts, but order your lives according to the Lord\\u2019s pure wisdom, and be \\u201cfull of mercy and good fruits,\\u201d as even our \\u201cgentle\\u201d and \\u201ccompliant\\u201d Lord.\\xa0 Keep this Child ever before your eyes. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "Unbind Yourself" from Cleansing Human Frailty, fourth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, only you will deliver us from the hands of our foes and from our own transgressions. YHWH, your Son was condemned to a shameful death by the haughty hearts of men, but you sustained His life, as you do our own.\\xa0 If we but set our hearts on serving you and the least of our brothers, if we but keep our arms around those you place in our care \\u2013 if we but die with your Son and in His love, with Him we shall rise again. O LORD, let arrogance and pride find no place in our lives.\\xa0 Let us not be tortured by selfish ambition or torture others because of our impatience with you and your holy will.\\xa0 If we fight against your goodness, allowing our passions to rule us, what shall we find but death to our souls and blindness to your glory among us?\\xa0 Your Son let us but follow, even on the path to crucifixion, and your protection will be with us all our days.\\xa0 Your arms you will keep around us, embracing us as your own dear Child.\\xa0 In peace we shall remain.'