September 29, 2024, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time-B

Numbers 11:25-29

Psalm 19

James 5:1-6

Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

“Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets” Num. 11:29

“For whoever is not against us is for us.  Mk. 9:40

Lord, cliques can be bad for disciples of yours.  In the time of Moses and again in your time there was some resentment and judgement over how the Spirit worked in people that were not of the “in crowd”.  John showed some arrogance when he objected to someone driving out demons in Jesus’ name who “does not follow us.”   Follow us, really?  Moses and you set everyone straight by pointing out that the gift of ministry and prophecy comes from God and he can use anyone he wants.  Sometimes God uses the least likely people in very unexpected ways.  Lord, instead of bitterness or jealousy, may I always be grateful for anyone who speaks your word or inspires me to love more.  We can learn so much from each other, even those who haven’t had a lot of formal spiritual training.  We are all prophets because of our Baptism.  I know you have spoken to me through the simplicity of a child, the passion of a teenager, and the hope of a dying cancer victim.   Help me to better connect with your community, your family, and to be open to the prophets around me.  Amen.