Scripture Study for
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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Understanding the Word
By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.
Moses is portrayed as a prophet, a spokesperson of God. The spirit of prophecy that was upon him was bestowed as well on some elders so that the burden of prophecy would not be so heavy on his own shoulders. Despite the fact that Eldad and Medad had been preordained to receive the spirit, Joshua felt that their absence from the group disqualified them. Moses questioned the sharpness of Joshua’s opposition. Was he concerned with probity or was he protecting the privilege that official prophesying often brought with it? Moses believed that the work of God took precedence over the institutional ordering of the community.
According to James, the wealthy have foolishly and ravenously hoarded the treasures of the earth. They have been busy accruing money rather than sharing it with the poor, and this selfish attitude will be a testimony against them. Some of the rich have even gained their wealth at the expense of those in their employ. Such victimization is particularly loathsome in Israel, since the very event that shaped them into a people was their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The author depicts the unscrupulous people foolishly enjoying their wealth and comfort, oblivious of the fact that they are really being fattened for the day of slaughter, the impending day of judgment.
The Gospel reading is a collection of pronouncements of Jesus on the topics of acceptance, hospitality, and scandal. Jesus authenticates the right of a man to cast out demons. It is important that the work of the reign of God be done; it is not important who does it. Jesus justifies all works of mercy that are performed in his name. He then warns against giving scandal. Those who cause others to sin will be severely punished. Jesus instructs his disciples to take even drastic means if necessary as a precaution against falling into sin. Nothing should jeopardize the possibility of enjoying life in the reign of God.