James 5:1-6 / Mark 9:41-50
Much has been said about ill-gotten gains and its consequences. There is a retribution and punishment awaiting for those who choose to have gains that way.
It will also remind us of what Jesus taught us - What does a man gain if he wins the whole world but loses his soul?
The 1st reading is certainly avoided by those who made ill-gotten gains. It gives a disturbing message for those who still hold on to their ill-gotten gains and do not repent.
And if they think that God does not see, does not hear, does not know, then the 1st reading points out that the cries of the oppressed "have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts".
But those who need to hear this message may not want to hear it or that they may not be interested at all to hear it.
The message for those who are oppressed and hearing it will understand that eventually God will vindicate them because they only had God for their help and there is nothing else and no one else to have recourse to.
It also reminds them not to turn from being the oppressed to become the oppressor, if ever there is a change of fortunes.
As Jesus said in the gospel: But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck.
Let us realize that any sin, whether be it ill-gotten gains or oppression or being an obstacle to someone's faith will have its consequences.
Let us cut off from ourselves all that is against God so that we may live a life that is pleasing to God.