By: By Sister Rachel Bergschneider, OSB

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 30

Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19:8,10,12-13,14; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48

Growing up in a family with eight siblings, there were plenty of occasions to tattle on each other. “Why does she get to do that?” “Why doesn’t he have to mow the yard? I did it last time.” The stories could go on and on.
In all the readings today, the issue of “why are they doing that” takes many forms. In each of the passages of Scripture the common thread is self-focus or lack of generosity — whether it be our gifts or talents, our authority over others, or our goods.

In the first reading, there was a question of allowing those who had not received the anointing with the elders to join in the mission; in the second reading this lack of generosity takes the form of sharing of goods. In the Gospel we again see the desire that God’s Spirit of healing be sequestered to a certain group.

Both Moses and Jesus are clear about leadership: the Spirit of God is generous and inclusive. In the reading from Numbers, when those who were not present for the bestowal of the spirit in the gathering with the 70 elders were deemed unworthy by Joshua to prophesy, Moses countered that Joshua look at his own jealousy. Why did he want to limit their contribution? Was it because he was afraid of their ability to prophesy or would they not say the correct thing?

In the Gospel, John is of the same mind as Joshua. John wants the one who is not a follower of Jesus to be stilled. Jesus’ response is the same as that of Moses: “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.” Let him go to cast out demons. Jesus is not threatened by the good intentions of others. He invites sharing the mission.

DON’T HOARD WHAT YOU HAVE
The second reading, a continuation by James from weeks before, denounces hoarding in a different fashion. He is upset by the selfishness of the wealthy. “You rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries. . . . The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.” (James 5:1,4) He goes on to describe their self-indulgence: “You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter.” (James 5:6)

Care for those who are without, who are on the fringes is central to James. Reflecting the Gospel message, he is committed to caring for the poor and sharing.

These readings can catch all of us off guard. The message of Jesus is continually about inclusiveness and generosity. The Gospel challenges us to open our hearts to those on the outside: the poor, those who are “outside the circle.”

I am reminded of a statement of Pope John Paul II who displayed openness to the Spirit outside of Christianity when he was in Assisi for the 1987 Assisi Day. Speaking of the spiritual gifts in other religions he said, “There are undeniably differences that reflect the genius and spiritual ‘riches’ which God has given to the peoples.”

Perhaps instead of demanding, “Why are you not one of us?” we might ask, “What are your gifts to the kingdom?” Such an attitude speaks volumes in a world so concerned about “what is best for us.”

I remember well my mother saying, “Don’t hoard what you have.”

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SISTER RACHEL Bergschneider, OSB, is a member of the Sisters of St. Benedict of St. Mary Monastery in Rock Island. She serves as pastoral associate at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Peoria Heights.