September 26, 2021 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 those who follow you. In the time of Moses and again in your time there was some resentment and judgment over how the Spirit worked in people that were not the “in crowd.” John showed some arrogance when he objected to someone driving out demons in your name that “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. I believe the Spirit can use anyone to give glory to our Father. 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. I believe 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.