Daily Readings - Sun Sep 29 2024
Numbers
25Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it.26Now two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp.27And a young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp."28And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, "My lord Moses, stop them."29But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!"
James
1Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.2Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten.3Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.4Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.5You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.6You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
Mark
38John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us."39But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.40For the one who is not against us is for us.41For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.42"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.43And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.47And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell,48'where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.'
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about God's Spirit, justice, and living with integrity. The first reading from Numbers 11:25-29 reminds us that God's Spirit is not confined to a select few. Moses, faced with Joshua's concern about Eldad and Medad prophesying, teaches us not to be jealous but to embrace the universality of God's gifts. This openness to God's work in others is a vital lesson in humility and trust in His plan.
James 5:1-6 offers a stark warning to the wealthy, urging them to consider the consequences of their greed and oppression. James emphasizes the importance of social justice, reminding us that our actions towards others have eternal repercussions. This reading calls us to live with compassion and fairness, ensuring that we do not exploit others for our gain.
In Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48, Jesus teaches us about inclusivity and the seriousness of sin. He encourages us not to hinder those doing good in His name, even if they are not part of our group. Jesus also warns against causing others to sin, using dramatic imagery to stress the importance of living a life committed to holiness. This teaches us to be mindful of our actions and their impact on others, striving to avoid sin and scandal.
These readings together remind us to be open to God's work in everyone, to act justly towards all, and to live with personal integrity. They challenge us to embrace inclusivity, care for the marginalized, and pursue holiness in our daily lives. As we reflect on these teachings, may we strive to live out these values, trusting in God's plan and living with compassion and integrity.