26th Sunday of Ordinary Times

Two of today’s readings remind us that God is not limited by our restrictions or short sightedness. God moves where He wills, bestowing gifts for the good of all. God chooses whom He wills,with criteria frequently different than ours.    When Moses took some of the gift God gave him and passed it on, the elders who were meant to receive the spirit did so weather present in the tent or left behind in the camp. When Joshua complains about Eldad and Medad, who were prophesying outside the camp, Moses does not agree and proceeds to wish that all of God’s people might prophesy. Likewise, the power to expel demons in Jesus’ name was bestowed on one, not of the disciples, who was using Jesus name. When John complains about this, Jesus comments that “Whoever is not against us is for us.” God today has gifts to bestow. We should be vigilant in encouraging such outpourings of God’s Spirit. Just as Moses and Jesus are able to see god in surprising places and persons, so both attest to the fact that no one can claim a monopoly of the Spirit’s charism or wisdom.

               In the second reading, St. James is speaking of sin when he talks about social injustice and lack of concern for those in need. And, when Jesus tells us or warns us to get rid of evil in our lives now. He does not want us t literally cut off parts of our bodies, but he is telling us even if something is near and dear to us, if it causes us to sin, we must not delay in changing things around. He emphasizes this with regard to leading little children away from God, not teaching them right, giving them bad example or even abusing them. Sin is a decision to do something God has forbidden. There is an old story of “the temptation” A married lady who went out shopping one day and when she returned home she brought with her a beautiful dress. She showed it to her husband who almost had a stroke when he heard how much it cost. She agreed with him that it was very expensive, but she said she tried it on and she looked so beautiful in it she couldn’t resist the temptation to buy it. Her husband told her you should have said, “Get behind me, Satan.” She said that ‘s exactly what I said, and Satan said “You look fabulous from back here, too!” We must resist the temptation at all times, no matter how something is attracted to us. What talent would you like to develop which could be used to help others? Ask God to give you that gift.