The Work of Redemption
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The biblical texts for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time are significant questions addressed to God. If the eternal God still wants to work for redemption today – who is responsible for that? If God aims to do good through people, like healing the sick and lonely, creating peace, and bringing about salvation – who is authorised to do this divine work?
The Sunday Readings
In the First Reading from the Book of Numbers (11: 25-29). Moses is with the elders of the people outside the camp when the Spirit came to rest on them. This Spirit also came to rest on two men. One named Eldad and the other was Medad. They had not been in the tent with the others. But they begin to prophesise. Joshua, an aid of Moses and his chosen successor, tries to stop them.
In the Gospel of Mark (9: 38-43, 45, 47-48), we can read: Jesus shares daily life with his disciples. They can even heal with Jesus’ divine power and cast out evil spirits. This makes them part of an extraordinary circle, a kind of an elite group. Then, they see a stranger, who is not a follower of Jesus. He is doing good in Jesus' name, even casting out demons. The disciples are irritated because this man seems to be doing something he should not be doing. They want to stop him.
But Jesus replies saying, "Do not prevent him! There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.” For whoever is not against us is for us. With this intervention, Jesus warns about the danger when any group understands itself as an elite circle.
It is important, that the Catholic Church realise this danger, because for many years, it has claimed to be the sole truth.
Catholic Church Documents
Dear faithful members of our community,
It is very reassuring to know that in 1965, the Second Vatican Council published the document Nostra Aetate, translated it means “In Our Time”. It focuses on the relationship of the Catholic Church with non-Christian religions. It acknowledges the truths and holiness that can be found in other faiths. It denounces discrimination and persecution based on religion. Therefore, we can say: In all people of good will, dwells a deep sense of peace and justice. In these people we experience in unique ways the generosity of God’s revelation. His divine, life-giving Spirit wants to reach the hearts of all people. His presence in Jesus Christ among us promotes fullness, diversity, and life.
The Harvest Feast
For me, one of the most beautiful signs of God’s love is found in the abundance and splendor of nature. It is a feast for the eyes. Today, we especially want to thank God for the fruits of the earth. The power of God’s creation provides us with so many gifts. Often, I think it should be enough for everyone – for all people on this earth. I am sure I am not the only one who carries the longing within me that no one in this world should suffer from hunger: Hunger for food, hunger for justice and security, hunger for peace and freedom.
Friends
I want to express this deep longing through the words of Moses: "Would that all the people of Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit on them all!"
Imagine, if only the divine Spirit of prophecy, healing, and vision would come upon all men, women, and children. Jesus once again emphasises the unlimited generosity of God’s plan of salvation. No one holds a monopoly on salvation or truth. God’s spirit flows freely, moving wherever and whenever it chooses.
God's Love and Christian Life
Today's readings highlight two main points:
First of all, we must recognise that God works through all kinds of people. The apostle John wrote in his First Letter (1 John. 4: 7-8), “Let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
As a citizen of the world, I can live and love without fear in the vastness of God’s love.
And Friends...
As a community of believers in Christ Jesus - as baptised and confirmed Christians, we do not need to hide. With this evening’s gospel in mind, we do not need to be jealous of the good that others do, but instead be grateful for it. Then we will radiate the fullness of God’s Spirit for the life of the world. Then the fruits of the earth will become a divine blessing for the world.
They will become a blessing for all people.
Praised be Jesus Christ. Forever and ever, Amen.