Sunday Reflections: Embracing Unexpected Allies

Sunday Reflections: Embracing Unexpected Allies

Good morning, everyone! Today, we learn a powerful message from our readings: “Whoever is not against us is on our side.” This theme is beautifully woven through Numbers 11:25-29, James 5:1-6, and Mark 9:38-48.

In Numbers, we see Moses dealing with a bit of a crisis. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon seventy elders, and they begin to prophesy. But two men, Eldad and Medad, who weren't with the group, also start prophesying. Joshua, Moses' assistant, gets a bit worked up and asks Moses to stop them.

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But Moses, in his wisdom, says, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29). Moses recognises that God's work isn't limited to a select few; it's for everyone.

Now, let's jump to the New Testament. In Mark's Gospel, John tells Jesus they saw someone casting out demons in His name and tried to stop him because he wasn't one of them.

But Jesus, ever the teacher, says, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:39-40). Jesus is teaching us about inclusivity and recognising the good in others, even if they aren't part of our immediate circle.

Sunday Reflections: Embracing Unexpected Allies

Saint Teresa of Ávila once said, “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which He looks with compassion on this world.”

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, reminds us, “Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them.”

These saints echo the message of our readings. It's not about who is in or out, but about the love and spirit with which we act. In James, we are warned against hoarding wealth and ignoring the cries of the labourers. This is a call to action, to be just and compassionate, recognising that our actions impact others.

So, my friends, let's embrace this message. Let's be inclusive, recognising that God's work can be done by anyone, anywhere. Let's act with love and compassion, just as Saint Teresa and Saint Thérèse did.

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Remember, whoever is not against us is on our side. Let's go out and be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, spreading His love and compassion to all.