Sept 29: Exclusive Membership

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The first reading might be what Jesus was talking about when he scolded the disciples. They wanted to stop an exorcist whom they didn’t know. In both cases, whether prophesying or driving out demons, someone wanted them to stop. Why? Because the persons doing those things were not members of the group. In the gospel, the disciples objected simply because they didn’t know the ones who were casting out demons. Back in Moses’ days, the two “renegades” were actually on the list, they just weren’t present with the rest gathered around Moses. Both Joshua and the disciples of Jesus thought they should control who could do God’s work and who couldn’t.

It reminds me of the pastor sprinkling people with holy water during Easter season. If I didn’t feel the water, I was disappointed because I was “left out.” But Father was intending to bless everyone; he just couldn’t control where the holy water went. I wanted to control the pastor, to make him throw the water more carefully. 

The temptation to control things is pretty common, but we can’t be truly at peace till we allow God to be the one in control. God loves all people, even those who don’t know him. So if we see someone who has a spiritual gift, it could be God’s way of helping that person to know about His love. It might not be prophesying or driving out demons. There are many non-Christians who are very generous or patient or wise, who could come to faith if they realized that God was acting through them. You don’t have to bowl them over with evangelistic fervor. Just the observation that you see God’s love in them might get them thinking about their faith. 

The Apostles Creed reminds us that the Church is catholic, or universal. All are welcome, because Jesus died for everyone. As Moses said in the first reading, wouldn’t it be great if God sent his gifts of the Spirit to them all?

Tom Schmidt