Access daily Mass readings, meditations and articles, as well as special resources, by becoming a subscriber or logging in. Subscribers: Please log in to view the Mass readings. Not a subscriber? Subscribe for only $12 (Save $4). Let us . . . make a name for ourselves. (Genesis 11:4) Today’s first reading tells the story of a people whose advances in technology enabled them to create something new and exciting: the first skyscraper. What a way, they thought, to “make a name” for themselves (Genesis 11:4)! We can see these kinds of towers today in our modern skyscrapers. What could be a better example of humans’ mastery over their surroundings than a big-city skyline? There is nothing necessarily evil about constructing a very tall building. But great human accomplishments can also lead people to forget the One who is ultimately in charge. This is what happened in Babel: the people’s desire to make a “name” for themselves reflects their desire to become like gods themselves—complete with their own temple that reached to the heavens. But all human technology—engineering, weaponry, businesses, governments, and all other signs of human domination—is trivial compared to the greatness of the Lord. As today’s responsorial psalm says, “The Lord brings to nought the plans of nations; he foils the designs of peoples” (33:10). And that’s exactly what happened to the Tower of Babel: God interrupted this exercise in pride (Genesis 11:8). It’s tempting to get caught up in building our own personal “cities” and “towers,” too: a successful career, the best clothes, a new car, and so on. But all this is fleeting. Our true home is in heaven, and that’s where our primary focus needs to be. That’s how we please the Lord and build a life that has lasting meaning and purpose. Today’s Gospel presents another kind of city: “the Kingdom of God” (Mark 9:1). That kingdom was inaugurated by Jesus as he hung, helpless, on a cross. It is founded on the witness of lowly tradesmen-turned-apostles. Even to this day, it is built through humility and self-giving love, not by constructing towers of pride and self-preservation. It grows stronger as we deny ourselves and take up the cross, not as we build ourselves up at the expense of the lost and the needy. That’s because only love and mercy, not power and domination, will last. “Jesus, help me to work with you in building the kingdom of heaven.”St. Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor (Optional Memorial)
DAILY MASS READINGS AVAILABLE WITH A SUBSCRIPTION
Daily Meditation: Genesis: 11:1-9
Psalm 33:10-15
Mark 8:34-9: