The Lord reminds the disciples that anyone who is not against them is for them. No matter what corner of the vineyard we are in, may we all work together for the Lord!
The Psalm response touches a deep longing in our hearts: to have relationships where those around us breathe joy and love into our lives. This is God’s response to all creation! The Lord takes delight in his people!
Jesus sends out the Twelve Apostles with power and authority to carry out his earthly ministry. Their work inspires us to consider how we can serve the Lord with our lives today.
Jesus teaches that one does not light a lamp and then cover it; rather, it is put on a stand so that all might see. May we uncover the gifts we have received and shine with Christ’s light in the world!
Let’s take a look at some of the main themes in the readings for the 26th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Numbers 11:25-29
Some of the spirit of Moses is bestowed upon seventy elders who now prophesy.
Eldad and Medad were not on the list of Moses, but the spirit still came upon them; when Joshua attempted to have Moses stop them, Moses prayed that the Lord would make everyone a prophet!
Psalm – 19:8,10,12-14
“The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.”
The Psalmist praises the law of the Lord and exhorts others to follow God’s commands.
2nd Reading – James 5:1-6
James calls on the rich to weep over their impending miseries as their wealth will be destroyed.
Included is a list of the evils they have done for their own benefit at the expense of others.
Gospel – Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48
Jesus stops the Apostle John from preventing someone who is casting out a demon in the Lord’s name.
The Lord then teaches that anything that keeps us from the kingdom of God should be “plucked out” lest it lead us to destruction in Gehenna.
