Extending Boundaries
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Numbers 11:25–29 / Psalm 19:9a / James 5:1–6 / Mark 9:38–43, 45, 47–48
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Reflecting on the Word
By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.
Close ties can enrich life, whether due to blood, loyalty, or faith in God. However, any close tie can become overly exclusive. “She won’t fit into our family.” “He’s not for our group.” This also happens in God’s family. People want to draw lines, decide who is “in,” who is “out.” God doesn’t work that way.
Today we have Joshua upset that the spirit of Moses has been given to two men who weren’t at the appointed place at the appointed time. Moses, who knows what it means to be both “in” and “out,” has the wisdom to know that God will give the spirit to whomever God wishes. Moses was about extending boundaries.
The apostle John notices a man casting out demons in Jesus’ name. “We tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” “Us?” Jesus asks. “Us? Who decides who drives out demons? No one who performs a deed in my name can speak ill of me. Whoever is not against us is for us.” Jesus was about extending boundaries.
Human boundaries don’t fence in the Holy Spirit. God’s open arms extend beyond our imaginations. Isaiah sings, “All the tribes shall go up to worship the Lord. All nations shall stream to God’s holy mountain.”
So stretch out your hands in generosity. Give drinks of water to whoever thirsts. Protect the little ones. The only restrictions concern whatever causes you to sin and lose the kingdom. Otherwise, expect God to work in unexpected places, in unexpected people, in unexpected ways.
Consider/Discuss
- Have you ever been surprised by God working in someone, some place, in an unexpected way?
- Jesus’ words about giving scandal are to be taken very seriously. Do they speak to your life in any way?
Responding to the Word
Lord, help us recognize the working of your Spirit in our world. May we see your hand in anything done to liberate others from oppression and to bring peace and reconciliation. Never let us bring any of your little ones to harm. And give true contrition to those who have caused others harm.