Here are some of the themes that appear in the Mass readings for the 26th Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Numbers 11:25-29

• The Lord bestows the spirit of Moses on seventy elders who become prophets.
• Moses chastises Joshua after he tries to stop two others who (while away from the seventy) were also filled with the spirit of God.

Psalm – 19:8,10,12-14

• “The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.”
• The decrees and laws of the Lord are perfect, and they give wisdom and guidance.

2nd Reading – James 5:1-6

• James offers a stern warning for the rich to weep and wail over their impending miseries.
• He lists their offenses against the poor and righteous.

Gospel – Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48

• The Lord chastises John who tries to stop someone (not from their group) who is driving out demons in the name of Jesus.
• Jesus then offers a stern warning to avoid sin so as to avoid Gehenna.

Mass Readings – 26th Sunday of the Year (B, #137)

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