Daily Readings - Sun Sep 30 2018
Numbers
25Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not do so again.26However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp.27A young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp."28Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses' aide since youth, spoke up and said, "Moses, my lord, stop them!"29But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!"
James
1Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.2Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.3Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.4Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.5You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.6You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.
Mark
38"Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us."39"Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me,40for whoever is not against us is for us.41I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.42"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,48where "'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about inclusivity, justice, and the consequences of our actions. The first reading from Numbers reminds us of Moses’ wisdom when he refuses to restrict the Spirit’s movement. Eldad and Medad, though not among the chosen seventy, prophesied, teaching us that God’s gifts are not confined to the few. Moses’ response highlights trust in God’s generosity and the importance of not stifling the Spirit.
James’ epistle offers a stark warning to the wealthy, urging them to recognize the transient nature of material wealth. He condemns the exploitation of workers and the indulgence in luxuries, emphasizing that true wealth lies in humility and justice. This reading challenges us to reflect on how we use our resources and whether we prioritize the well-being of others.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about inclusivity and the seriousness of sin. He tells the disciples not to hinder someone working in His name, even if they are not part of their group. This promotes unity and recognition of God’s work beyond our immediate circles. Jesus then warns against causing scandal, using dramatic imagery to stress the importance of moral integrity.
Together, these readings guide us to live with openness, generosity, and moral vigilance. They encourage us to embrace others’ gifts, use our resources justly, and avoid actions that harm others. The moral lesson is clear: live humbly, act with integrity, and trust in God’s plan, allowing His Spirit to work through all people.