Twenty-Sixth Sunday of the year - September 29, 2024
Numbers 11:25-29; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
In one diocese in Nigeria a priest began a high-profile prayer ministry in the diocesan pastoral centre. Many other priests had similar prayer ministries in their parishes, but on a smaller scale. Now this priest goes to the bishop and makes him sign a declaration that his prayer ministry is the only officially recognised one in the diocese. Any person in the diocese who needed the healing ministry must, therefore, go nowhere else but to his centre. What that document says, in effect, is that God has no right to heal anybody in the diocese except in the pastoral centre. Such attempts to limit God do not work. God never allows Himself to be so limited by human narrow-mindedness.
In the first reading from the Book of Numbers, we encounter a moment of divine empowerment. The Spirit of the Lord descends upon the seventy elders, and they prophesy. However, two men, Eldad and Medad, who were not present at the gathering, also receive the Spirit and begin to prophesy in the camp. This leads to a reaction from Joshua, who expresses concern that they are not part of the chosen group. Moses, however, responds with a profound statement: “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!”
This passage highlights the inclusive nature of God’s Spirit. It reminds us that God’s grace is not limited to a select few but is available to all who are open to it. Moses’ desire for all to prophesy reflects God’s longing for a community filled with His presence and guidance.
In the Gospel reading from Mark, we see a similar theme of inclusivity and the dangers of exclusion. John tells Jesus that they saw someone casting out demons in His name who was not one of their followers, and they tried to stop him. Jesus responds, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.” He emphasizes that those who are not against us are for us, urging us to recognize the work of God in unexpected places and people.
The tension between exclusivity and inclusivity is a recurring theme in our spiritual lives. We often find ourselves in a mindset similar to that of Joshua and John, where we may feel protective of our community or our understanding of faith. We may be tempted to judge others who do not share our beliefs or practices, fearing that they might dilute or undermine our own faith.
However, Jesus challenges us to broaden our perspective. The Kingdom of God is not confined to our understanding or our community. It is a vast and diverse reality that encompasses all who seek truth and goodness. This calls us to humility and openness, recognizing that God can work through anyone, regardless of their affiliation or background.
The readings also invite us to reflect on our own lives and the areas where we may need conversion. In the Gospel, Jesus warns against causing others to stumble and emphasizes the seriousness of sin. He uses hyperbolic language about cutting off a hand or plucking out an eye to illustrate the lengths to which we should go to avoid sin. This stark imagery serves as a reminder of the gravity of our choices and the impact they have on our spiritual journey and the lives of others.
Conversion is not merely a one-time event; it is a continuous process of turning our hearts toward God. It involves recognizing our shortcomings, seeking forgiveness, and striving to live in accordance with God’s will. This journey requires courage and honesty, as we confront the areas in our lives that may lead us away from God’s love and grace.
As we reflect on these readings, we are called to embody the spirit of inclusivity and conversion in our daily lives. This means actively seeking to build bridges rather than walls, reaching out to those who may feel marginalized or excluded from our communities. It challenges us to celebrate the diversity of gifts and perspectives that enrich our understanding of God’s work in the world.
Moreover, we are invited to examine our own hearts and identify the “hands” or “eyes” that may need to be cut off—those habits, attitudes, or relationships that lead us away from God. This is not an easy task, but it is essential for our growth as disciples of Christ.
As we continue our journey through Ordinary Time, let us take to heart the messages of today’s readings. May we be inspired by Moses’ desire for all to be filled with the Spirit, and may we embrace the call of Jesus to recognize and support the good that exists beyond our immediate circles. Let us commit ourselves to a life of conversion, striving to align our actions with the values of the Kingdom of God.
In doing so, we will not only deepen our relationship with God but also become instruments of His love and mercy in the world. Let us pray for the grace to be open to the Spirit’s movement in our lives and to respond generously to the call to be prophets of hope and reconciliation in our communities.
Happy Sunday
Nice reflection Fr Anush
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