Jude 17, 20-25 / Mark 11:27-33
The phrase "for the salvation of souls" may sound rather traditional and archaic even, maybe because we seldom hear of this phrase nowadays.
But it was not that long ago when we would be reminded to pray for the salvation of souls and to do penance for the salvation of souls or to work for the salvation of souls.
It may sound rather lofty but that is precisely what our mission is in reality.
The 1st reading would put that in these terms of practicality - when there are some who have doubts, assure them; when there are some to be saved from the fire, pull them out.
How much more obvious and practical than the salvation of souls could mean?
Yet the 1st reading also puts in a sort of demarcation when it says "there are others to whom you must be kind with great caution, keeping your distance even from outside clothing which is contaminated by vice".
Yes, there are some people whom we can call "hardened sinners" who will challenge our every act of love and kindness and compassion, and use all sorts of derogatory names on us.
We have to pray for the salvation of their souls, and yet we must remember that they are not challenging us but rather challenging the love of Jesus, just like how the chief priests and scribes and elders challenged the authority of Jesus in the gospel.
Jesus commissioned us to proclaim the Good News of salvation and along with that commission is His authority and power.
Whether it sounds traditional or archaic, it is urgent and critical that we continue to work for the salvation of souls, and also the salvation of our souls.