The Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time – B: October 1, 2006

Numbers 11:25-29
James 5:1-6
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Dear Jesus,

Sometimes, I sit and stare at the blank page before me wondering what I should write to you. My thoughts flicker like glints from crushed foil in the setting sun. Your word echoes in the caverns of my mind, ricocheting about, seeking a target. The target? My heart to be changed and conformed to your word. But how? Is it something that I am reluctant to see or admit? Is it a change called for that I might be unwilling to make? Or is it simply a lack of understanding on my part, a failure to grasp what you are saying? This gospel pericope causes that kind of confusion.

I don’t identify with the problem John puts before you, any more than I understand Joshua’s irritation at Eldad and Medad’s prophesying giving evidence that the spirit found them even though they were not in the official gathering when the outpouring occurred. What kind of jealousy is this? Of what are they afraid? You have said so often that we cannot understand how abundantly God’s mercy flows over us, how lavishly God loves us. Yet it seems that some recipients of that love and mercy want to contain it, to be masters of it, limiting its flow and controlling those over whom they wash. Joshua was concerned about Moses’ reputation and John, about yours. At least that what it seems.

Has every age had those who want to restrict your word, those who insist that there is only one way to follow you, one narrow path that leads to God? Aren’t you saying that neither your word nor God’s will can be confined? It is mystery beyond our capacity to comprehend. Whenever and wherever there is evidence of the fruit of your word or the following of God’s will, we ought to rejoice and give thanks. Witch hunts and burnings at the stake are the results of that kind of jealousy that seeks to stop the prophesying of those outside the fold, the unofficial driving out of demons in your name. And in earlier times, stonings. But you know that from the times the officials threatened to stone you.

Are you challenging me to make sure that I don’t think there is only one way to do things, one way to proclaim the message, one way to put the Good News into practice? Grace cannot be leashed nor doled out stingily. God’s Spirit blows where it will, achieving its manifold effects, drawing all to God’s love.

At first, I thought it was difficult to bring the two parts of this gospel together. The language turns grim now. You put down ultimatums. I cringe hearing you demand the cutting off of hands, the gouging out of eyes, the cutting off of feet. I read a sad story about a young man who took these words literally and because of some experience of personal sin or temptation that seemed overwhelming did cut off his hand. Fundamentalists would say if that’s what the word says then that’s what the word means. But I wonder if you do not use the harsh language to shock and so make me understand that I can never be content with my response to the gospel, I can never say that the work is finished.

Scandal is a terrible thing. To act in such a way that would lead another into sin is reprehensible. Please Lord, you know that I would never want to do anything like that. So, then, are you challenging me to examine my own conscience and find what there is in my life that keeps me from a total conversion, a total response to your word? What am I attached to that keeps me from following you? Why am I envious? What will I have to give up if I reach out to someone who is in need? How vulnerable will I be if I follow your command to shelter the homeless and clothe the naked and do all of those other corporal works of mercy that manifest the coming of your reign. Can’t I be content to love the lovable and minister to those who are safe and sane?

The scandal will come if I refuse to love as you love regardless of the consequences. But if I do I might have to accept the same consequences that you did. What if no one understands? What if I wind up on the cross? Is that the risk I must run and the extent that you expect me to go if I would be your disciple? I can’t do that without you. I know my weaknesses and limitations. But then if I give myself over completely to you, what isn’t possible – even for me and even if you are the only one who understands?

Sincerely,

Didymus