Today’s first two readings present a striking contrast between two pathways in life. InWisdom and the letter from James we are told of the path of the wicked, which leads tooppression and violence. We also hear of the path of the faithful, which leads to peaceand human flourishing. Then our Gospel reading from Mark takes our reflection farther.The choice is shown to be not so simple or obvious. The path of faithfulness means following Jesus’ lead, to expand our circle of care toward everyone, especially the most vulnerable. This path also includes opening ourselves to suffering and trials, as we face resistance from within and from outside us. The two paths essentially diverge over whetherwe refuse or accept God’s love. Each day we face such choices as God invites us into thedivine circle of care and enlists us to extend our own circle to those around us.