September 29, 2024

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

As we have often seen in the past, the commonality between the First Reading (Num. 11:25-29) and the Gospel (Mk. 9:38-43, 45, 47-48) for this weekend seems quite straightforward. They are both about ostracizing people while performing the works of the Lord. However, as always, these readings with the words of Jesus go on to become a lesson on Christian living.

In the book of Numbers, we find Moses in his well-known role leading the Israelites through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.  Along with the help of God he has provided for their physical needs with the quail and the manna. He has also established a system of sacred rules and religious practices with the laws of the Lord as well as the Tabernacle. Now he has to tend to their spiritual direction and leadership.

Thus, we are told that the Lord came down and took some of the spirit that was on Moses and placed it on seventy elders who Moses had gathered along with the people so that they might become helpers for him. As soon as the spirt came to rest on them, they were able to prophesy, meaning they were able to proclaim and interpret the word of God.

However, two men named Eldad and Medad who had been on the list did not go out with the group, rather they remained in the camp. But the spirit came to rest on them anyway and they prophesied there. Soon a young man ran and reported to Moses what Eldad and Medad were doing, while Joshua, a long-time aid of Moses demanded that Moses stop them. But Moses reprimanded Joshua, saying, “Are you jealous for my sake? If only all the people of the LORD were prophets! If only the LORD would bestow his spirit on them!” (Num. 11:29).

When we come to the Gospel (Mk. 9:38-43, 45,47-48), we encounter a similar scenario in a passage called “Another Exorcist.” In this case the disciples have seen a man driving out demons in the name of Jesus. Speaking for the group, John tells Jesus that they have tried to stop this man because he is not one of the disciples. But Jesus rebukes John telling him, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mk. 9:39-40).

What Jesus means is that this man does not have to be included in the group of disciples in order to use his name in performing an exorcism. Ultimately it is Jesus who is the source of this power and John and the others should accept the man and tolerate his actions because he is, after all, performing a good deed. It is similar to what Moses had said to Joshua, if only more people had been blessed with “the spirit of the Lord,” that is the power of God, and used their ability to help others.

Jesus then takes this lesson on humility and inclusivity and turns it into a warning against the sinful who ostracize others. These are Christians who take “little ones” (Mk. 9:42a), that is common, ordinary believers in Christ, and prevent them from doing the work of the Gospel. He emphasizes his point by saying it would be better to be drowned by having a great millstone (or anchor) put around one’s neck and thrown into the sea.” (Mk. 9:42b).

Jesus even continues his warning against jealousy and intolerance in a way which seems a bit disturbing. Using metaphorical images, he talks about cutting off a hand or foot, or plucking out an eye, if any of these cause a person to sin. He says that it is better to be maimed, crippled, or blind and enter the kingdom of God rather than be thrown with all of these body parts into Gehenna with its unquenchable fire and horrible worms. God uses the least likely people to be his instruments of grace and it is better to welcome them with “a cup of water” (Mk. 9:41) because of Christ than to lose one’s reward.

what Jesus wants people of God to do is to separate ourselves from whatever is causing us to sin and whatever is keeping us from becoming more Christ-like and inclusive in order to focus on his message. This includes ridding ourselves of our own selfishness and self-concern, biases and prejudices, and negative attitudes towards others who also do the work of the Gospel. After all, wouldn’t it be good if all Christians were moved to do the work of God?

In the end, today’s readings show that there are different ways we can treat others in our service to the Church. However, both Moses and Jesus remind us that there is only one right way. There is no “in crowd” and there is no “out crowd.” There are only those who participate in the body of Christ each with their own unique and individual gifts. So, the next time we are filled with resentment, considering our neighbor to be unworthy of the call of the Gospel, remember the words of Jesus: “Whoever is not against us is for us.”