Prophets and Allies

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, invite us to celebrate the acts of care and love that we witness on our journey as extensions of the Spirit of Love with which we are created by God.

Love and the Poor

The reading from the Book of Numbers proclaims the Spirit on the Elders that makes us all Prophets.

* [11:25] They prophesied: in the sense, not of foretelling the future, but of speaking in enraptured enthusiasm. Such manifestations are mentioned in the early days of Hebrew prophecy (1 Sm 10:10–12; 19:20–21; Jl 3:1) and in the first years of the Church (Acts 2:6–11, 17; 19:6; 1 Cor 12–14). (Numbers, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 19 praises God’s Glory in Creation and the Law.

* [Psalm 19] The heavenly elements of the world, now beautifully arranged, bespeak the power and wisdom of their creator (Ps 19:2–7). The creator’s wisdom is available to human beings in the law (Ps 19:8–11), toward which the psalmist prays to be open (Ps 19:12–14). The themes of light and speech unify the poem. (Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the Book of James is a warning to Rich Oppressors.

* [5:1–6] Continuing with the theme of the transitory character of life on earth, the author points out the impending ruin of the godless. He denounces the unjust rich, whose victims cry to heaven for judgment on their exploiters (Jas 5:4–6). The decay and corrosion of the costly garments and metals, which symbolize wealth, prove them worthless and portend the destruction of their possessors (Jas 5:2–3).

* [5:6] The author does not have in mind any specific crime in his readers’ communities but rather echoes the Old Testament theme of the harsh oppression of the righteous poor (see Prv 1:11; Wis 2:10, 12, 20). (James, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus addresses another Exorcist and temptations to Sin.

* [9:38–41] Jesus warns against jealousy and intolerance toward others, such as exorcists who do not follow us. The saying in Mk 9:40 is a broad principle of the divine tolerance. Even the smallest courtesies shown to those who teach in Jesus’ name do not go unrewarded.

* [9:43, 45, 47] Gehenna: see note on Mt 5:22.

* [9:44, 46] These verses, lacking in some important early manuscripts, are here omitted as scribal additions. They simply repeat Mk 9:48 itself a modified citation of Is 66:24. (Mark, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J. comments that God's grace and God's gifts don't always come in the pathways we always expect. It is an unfortunately natural, jealous reaction in us that resents that someone isn't a follower of Jesus "the right way." And, we miss the grace, the presence of the Lord working in that person, through that person, because it isn't happening the "approved way."

Finally, the easiest way to begin that journey is for us to recognize the problem. Why am I so judgmental? Why do I seek to have more, to look like I'm better than others? Why does justice or care for those on the margins come with difficulty? What causes me to sin? What underlying unfreedom is in me? From there, we can ask for forgiveness and healing. And, asking for healing can lead us to identify what instincts, practices and habits I can change. Change is difficult. We only change something which has become habitual when we arrive at a deeper desire for something else. Otherwise, it is so easy to deny we have a problem - even when we know we aren't happy. When we experience God's love and mercy filling our heart with gratitude, then we can want to be closer to the one who loves us. Being closer to Jesus leads us to want to be more like Jesus. Gradually, his love heals the wounds and the brokenness and helps make our heart like his.

Dear Lord, fill my heart with your love. And, then, open my heart to love the way you love. Open my heart to those who are different from me, difficult for me, to those who have hurt me. Let me see, or at least believe, that your own Spirit is with them, in them, somehow. Let me believe that there is a path to you from every human heart - even the most sinful, those who are most insecure and difficult. Transform me from a person who collects things for my security or status and help me become an instrument of your justice, a real advocate for those in need. I ask this, trusting in your Spirit's work within me. Amen. (Alexander, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Encouraging good works done in Christ,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"We ought not be disturbed because some who do not belong or do not yet belong to this temple, that is, among whom God does not or does not yet dwell, perform some works of power, as happened to the one who cast out devils in the name of Christ (Mark 9:38, Luke 9:49). Although he was not a follower of Christ, Christ ordered that he be allowed to continue because it gave a valuable testimony of his name to many... The centurion Cornelius also saw the angel that was sent to him to say that his prayers had been heard and his alms accepted (Acts 10:3-4), even before he was incorporated into this temple by regeneration." (excerpt from LETTER 187, TO DARDANUS 36) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Numbers 11:25-29 comments that Medad and Eldad proclaimed God’s word right in the midst of the people. What does this teach us? First, it shows that God is able to bless us wherever we are. He’s not limited by whether we’re in the “right place at the right time.” Second, he’s not limited to working only through certain people. Medad and Eldad had willing hearts open to God’s grace, and that helped them receive his Spirit. Joshua was scandalized and wanted to silence them, but Moses understood: the Lord’s power and his desire to bless his people were far beyond what they had expected. He rejoiced—“Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets!” (Numbers 11:29).

You have not missed your chance to receive God’s blessing! You’re never beyond his reach, and it’s never too late. Today you can seek the Lord. He wants to shower his gifts and heavenly blessings upon you—no matter where you are!

“Lord, I trust in your goodness. (Meditation on Numbers 11:25-29, n.d.)

Peter Edmonds SJ, a tutor in biblical studies at Campion Hall, University of Oxford, looks closely at Mark’s gospel and suggests what encouragement it might have given to early Christians.

There is also uncertainty about the purpose and circumstances of this gospel. But it may well have had its origin in Rome in the time of Nero in his later years (AD 68). We know from the Roman historian Tacitus that the Christians there were under grave threat from the Roman authorities who were blaming them for a great fire that had recently devastated the city. Many, unjustly accused, paid with their lives. Others denied that they were Christians and apostasised. It was dangerous to be a Christian in those days. Mark was writing for such people. The Jesus whom they professed to follow was one who had willingly walked to Jerusalem, the city of his enemies where he knew he faced death. His disciples had struggled in many ways unsuccessfully to remain faithful to their calling but Jesus, despite their failings, summoned them to meet him again in Galilee. Thanks to Mark, memories and traditions were repeated of ‘little people’ who had said or done something that in turn instructed and encouraged the ‘little people’ of that small group of Christians in Rome. What Mark wrote has a call on our attention today. As we read it or listen to his words, we can join ourselves in spirit and imagination with that group of poor Christians in Rome centuries ago (Edmonds, 2010)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the efforts to stop two elders of Israel from teaching about God in the camp. The Book of James continues to condemn those who have not shared their riches with the poor. Friar Jude reminds us of the role of exaggeration in Jewish teaching as Jesus emphasizes that we must choose the things of God with care for the example we give to others.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes the “eagerness to love” that characterized the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi (1182–1226).

For Francis, the medium had to be the same as the message—or the message itself would get quickly lost. Only love can search for, give, or receive love. It’s almost that simple. Francis created a very different classroom for his followers, sort of an underground seminary, if you will, where we Franciscans had to live faith before we talked about faith. Our Rule was initially just “tips for the road,” an itinerant and mendicant lifestyle, both an urban plunge and total solitude in nature, where love could be tasted and touched, much more than a formal seminary classroom where it might just be defined. 

In the Franciscan reading of the gospel, there’s no reason to be religious or to love God except in recognizing “The love of [God] who loved us greatly is greatly to be loved,” as Francis said. [2] Religion is not about heroic willpower or winning or being right. This has been a counterfeit for holiness in much of Christian history. True growth in holiness is a growth in willingness to be loved and to love. (Rohr, n.d.) 

 

We are invited by the Spirit to be open to the acts of love and faith that we encounter in our experiences of truth, compassion, and charity on our journey.

References

Alexander, A. (2024, September 29). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/092924.html 

Edmonds, P. (2010, April 22). Saint Mark the Pastor. Thinking Faith. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/20100422_1.htm 

James, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/5?1 

Mark, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/9?38 

Meditation on Numbers 11:25-29. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/09/29/1086254/ 

Numbers, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/numbers/11?25 

Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/19?8 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Opening to Love. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/opening-to-love/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=sep29 

Distraction and Temptation

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to accept some truths about inequality and inequity in our world and to express our gratitude for our journey in our service to the “little ones” in our environment.

Example for the "little ones"

The reading from the Book of James is a warning to Rich Oppressors.

* [5:1–6] Continuing with the theme of the transitory character of life on earth, the author points out the impending ruin of the godless. He denounces the unjust rich, whose victims cry to heaven for judgment on their exploiters (Jas 5:4–6). The decay and corrosion of the costly garments and metals, which symbolize wealth, prove them worthless and portend the destruction of their possessors (Jas 5:2–3).

* [5:6] The author does not have in mind any specific crime in his readers’ communities but rather echoes the Old Testament theme of the harsh oppression of the righteous poor (see Prv 1:11; Wis 2:10, 12, 20). (James, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 49 declares the Folly of Trust in Riches.

* [Psalm 49] The Psalm affirms confidence in God (cf. Ps 23; 27:1–6; 62) in the face of the apparent good fortune of the unjust rich, cf. Ps 37; 73. Reliance on wealth is misplaced (Ps 49:8–10) for it is of no avail in the face of death (Ps 49:18–20). After inviting all to listen to this axiom of faith (Ps 49:2–5), the psalmist depicts the self-delusion of the ungodly (Ps 49:6–13), whose destiny is to die like ignorant beasts (Ps 49:13, 18; cf. Prv 7:21–23). Their wealth should occasion no alarm, for they will come to nought, whereas God will save the just (Ps 49:14–20). (Psalms, PSALM 49, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark warns of temptations to Sin.

* [9:43, 45, 47] Gehenna: see note on Mt 5:22.

* [9:44, 46] These verses, lacking in some important early manuscripts, are here omitted as scribal additions. They simply repeat Mk 9:48 itself a modified citation of Is 66:24.

* [9:49] Everyone will be salted with fire: so the better manuscripts. Some add “every sacrifice will be salted with salt.” The purifying and preservative use of salt in food (Lv 2:13) and the refinement effected through fire refer here to comparable effects in the spiritual life of the disciples of Jesus. (Mark, CHAPTER 9, n.d.)

Vivian Amu comments that today’s gospel makes it seem so easy to just cut something off when it causes us to sin.

But it isn’t easy, is it? Removing the things in our life that separate us from the unconditional love of God should be easy, and yet, we hold on to our vices, our hurts, our frustrations, our grudges, and our fears. I have not figured out why my first instinct is usually to hide in my grief rather than run to Jesus, who is the healer of wounded souls. But one thing I do know is that it takes courage to grieve well. It takes courage to let go of that which separates us from God. It takes courage to retain our spiritual flavor that allows us to live in peace with ourselves and others. It takes courage to allow ourselves to be poor in spirit by giving up all the things that prevent us from experiencing God’s love and peace in our lives. It takes courage to offer no resistance when the opportunity arises to let go.

Merciful and loving God, grant us the courage to let go of all that prevents us from completely loving God, self, and others. Amen. (Amu, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Why not skip over such passages,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"This is no trivial subject of inquiry that we propose, but rather it concerns things most urgent, and about which many inquire: namely, whether hell fire has any end. For that it has no end Christ indeed declared when he said, 'Their fire shall not be quenched, and their worm shall not die' (Isaiah 66:24). Yes, I know a chill comes over you on hearing these things. But what am I to do? For this is God's own command... Ordained as we have been to the ministry of the word, we must cause our hearers discomfort when it is necessary for them to hear. We do this not arbitrarily but under command." (excerpt from the HOMILIES ON FIRST CORINTHIANS 9.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on James 5:1-6 is telling us that when we treasure possessions too dearly, we become self-centered and build walls around us. We cut ourselves off from him, the only One who can satisfy the deepest longings of our heart, and from the ones the Lord has called us to love.

God wants to free us from the materialism that leads to selfishness and sin. He wants to give us a spirit of justice and generosity so that we love others, especially the poor, the way he loves us. So let’s remember how fleeting wealth is. Let’s share our blessings. And let’s do what we can to make sure that the people around us are loved and cared for.

“Father, help me to find my true treasure in knowing and serving you.” (Meditation on James 5:1-6, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that James is very tough on the rich. Goods are gifted to us to share. The Wisdom sayings in Mark include a severe warning about bad examples to children and the simple. Friar Jude reminds us of the Jewish exaggeration in Mark that underlines our mission to be filled with zest and vitality to serve the Kingdom.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Author Lisa Sharon Harper who describes the diversity of the early church. At Pentecost, God brought the languages together, but not in the way we would imagine. God did not unite the world under one imperial language. Rather, the power of God made it possible to have unity in the midst of diversity. God made it possible for people to speak languages that were not their own and to understand one another.   

And in the same way Jesus had broken gender and class barriers, this multiethnic, multilingual group turned its back on misogyny and economic favoritism. Peter [quoting Joel 3:1–2] explained to the crowd why women and slaves were prophesying along with free men:   

In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy (Acts 2:17–18)….   

In other words, all the cultural, economic, and gender barriers between them were broken down. [1]   (Rohr, n.d.)

We open our minds to the Wisdom of the Spirit that reveals the true riches in the people who surround us and with whom we share our journey and fight against the distractions and temptations that lead away from fullness of life.

References

Amu, V. (2024, May 23). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/052324.html 

James, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/5?1 

Mark, CHAPTER 9. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/9?41 

Meditation on James 5:1-6. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/05/23/973839/ 

Psalms, PSALM 49. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/49?14 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Spirit Is for All. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-spirit-is-for-all/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). If Your Hand or Eye Causes You to Sin. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=may23