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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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Numbers 11:25 - 29 Psalm 18 James 5:1-6 Mark 9:38-43.45.47-48
Today's first reading tells of how God's spirit was not confined to Moses but was extended to others called to exercise the gift of prophecy. It was not easy for everyone to accept other prophets but Moses said, "If only the whole people of the Lord were prophets and the Lord gave his Spirit to them all!"
Jesus' disciples tried to stop a man casting out devils in Jesus' name but Jesus, in the same vein as Moses, told them not to stop the man. He gave them the great principle, anyone who is not against us is for us. The gospel goes on to teach that if we help anyone in the name of Jesus we will be rewarded but if we cause someone with faith to stumble we will should be punished. Indeed anything in us which causes us to sin should be rooted out. These are hard words but they point to the radical nature of being a follower of Jesus.
We all bear some responsibility for the well-being of others. We can affect young people by our example. And as St James says, we can affect those less fortunate by withholding our possessions. Let us reflect today on the spirit we received at Baptism and Confirmation. Is the Spirit working within me? Can I follow the example of spirit-filled people, even those who do not profess the same faith as me?