"Whoever is not against us is for us"
Mark 9: 38-43, 45,47-48
The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092621.cfm
In the ancient tradition of hospitality towards others I think that one principle is important. We don’t give to another expecting the same in return. We give to another out of love and respect. If one should receive the equal in return all the better. Certainly our own inner sense of graciousness would compel us to return the same. But, in the end, the expectation that my hospitality towards you is conditional somehow flies in the face of the Gospel spirit we hear today.
The Benedictine Monastic community has a
wonderful belief about visitors and the hospitality extended to them. That is, “To
welcome all as Christ.” Anyone who comes to visit the monastery or to stay on a
personal or group retreat is welcomed as if they were Jesus himself. The benefit may be reaped only by the one who
comes but gracious hospitality is blessed by the spirit in which it is given. In short, our readings this Sunday continue to advise us how to live well.
So too with our first reading from the book
of Numbers and the Gospel from Mark. We see both a myopic and jealous response
from the ones who felt they were “chosen” by God in response to the others who
have also received a portion of the spirit of God to prophesy and to drive out demons in the name of Jesus.
So, the ever present question about “who's in
and who's out” begs an answer in this weekend's readings. The Book of Numbers find Joshua angered by
the fact that Eldad and Medad have received a portion of the spirit bestowed on
Moses and shared by God with many others.
They had left the camp yet: ". . . the spirit came to rest on them
also and they prophesied in the camp." (Nm 11: 27). "How dare they!" cried Joshua to
Moses, “stop them.”
Yet, Moses inclusive perspective does not see
a limit to God's intent. In the Gospel we see the Apostle John’s sense of
exclusiveness likewise may reflect our own expectations as we interact with one
another or maybe even with God in prayer.
I will be generous with you for as long as you are the same with me. We
mortals tend to put limits on everything.
Jesus basically tells John, when John
confronted Jesus about another who seemed to be taking away their show in
exorcising demons in Jesus’ name to “Stop him.” John tells Jesus, “he does not follow us.” Our Lord’s answer is telling:
“Do not prevent him.” They are doing the
same good we are. They’re not competing with us, they’re sharing in the same
work of good that we are. They are
contributing to the common good beyond our own circle and that’s a good thing
for everyone. They’re not against us but rather
they are for us so what’s the problem, John?”
To exclude or to include in our lives as
Christians seems to have only one answer; that of Jesus who reached out to
invite and include all to salvation.
Christ is the invitation of God to see our lives differently; free of
boundaries in regards to God's love and mercy - and to live in the world with
that face. So, if others are living the
same mission in the name of Christ as we are, what’s wrong with that? We think of other Christians not members of the Catholic Church or other non-Christians who do a positive good in the name of God as they perceive him to be. We think of the invitation to salvation and the mercy of God without limits. Who are we to think that we have a monopoly
on God?
Still, the ever present temptation to divide
ourselves into warring camps or tribes has sadly become common these
days. We see it in politics and we find
it even in the Church. We hear about "my rights" over the dignity of others and live more and more in an ego-centered society that replaces God with the self. People even leave the Church because of political
positions placing the god of politics and ideology above the God of life and
covenant. We live in an often schizophrenic world. People are taking sides and staking out their positions which only goes to produce an ever
divided society and Church. And the evil
one rejoices at what we have produced. There is a diabolic odor to much of this self centered world.
But, there are signs of hope, however. One of the most fundamental principles of
Catholic social teaching, for example, is our effort to seek the common good.
This means that I need to be open to others, to compromise, to recognize that a
greater good is at stake other than my own narrow opinion or position. What is
best for the common good of a family, a parish, a Church, a nation? This higher moral principle should always
challenge us when we find ourselves digging in to our particular viewpoints or
opinions.
Such moments of a reality check bring us to
see where we may be falling short in our own lives. The second part of the Gospel contains harsh
language about a “millstone were put around his neck. . .” About the “fires of
Gehenna” and about cutting off your hand and plucking out your eye if they
cause you to sin. In such vivid language Jesus challenges us to root out the
cause of our sin. But what might this have to do with the earlier part of the
Gospel lesson about being more tolerant and inclusive?
The hands and eyes that need to be cut off
may be our own pride or prejudice. I think I “see” all that is needed and
refuse to see other options. As my feet take me places, what is the direction
of my life; where am I headed by the choices I am making? It that direction and
what I see or admire as a value is causing me to journey away from the Lord,
then I need to “cut it out.” I think I can handle this myself and have no need
of other helping hands which means I have to let go of my own sense of
control. Might be a good examination of
conscience here. To seek the common good
of all is upmost in our decisions. What is best for the entire community and
not just for a few or not just what benefits me.
Moses questions Joshua to put aside his
jealousy and shares with him: “Would that all the people of the LORD were
prophets!” Would it not be great if everyone would come together for a common
good and purpose – that of doing good in the Lord’s name? He invites us to see,
to touch, and to journey on the path he has shown us.
Our Eucharist reminds us that we are all
invited to seek good over evil, unity over division, humility over pride, love
over hate, and forgiveness over revenge.
God’s same spirit is available to all and to all those we include and
welcome with us.
Let’s “meet one another doing good,” as Pope
Francis once reminded us.
O God, who manifest your almighty power
above all by pardoning and showing mercy,
bestow your grace abundantly upon us
and make those hastening to attain your promises
heirs to the treasures of heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
(Collect of Sunday)
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