HOMILY/SERMON FOR 26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
HOMILY/SERMON FOR 26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: GOD’S KINGDOM IS BIGGER THAN OUR CIRCLES
BY: Fr. Obinna Ezeaputa
Num. 11: 25-29, Ps. 19, James 5: 1-6, Mark 9: 38-43, 45. 47-48
Saint Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” This means that those who don’t venture out and experience different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life are limiting themselves to a narrow understanding of the world. In essence, Saint Augustine is urging us to explore, learn, and grow beyond our comfort zones.
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Our first reading (Numbers 11:25–29) and gospel reading today (Mark 9:38–43, 45, 47–48) invite us to do just that: to venture beyond our limited vision, recognize God’s presence in unexpected places, recognize that God’s ways are totally different from ours, and prioritize His kingdom above all else. Let us reflect on how we can apply these lessons in our own lives, embracing humility, open-mindedness, and detachment from the things that hold us back.
In today’s gospel text (Mark 9:38–43, 45, 47–48), the apostle John approaches Jesus, speaking for the other disciples, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us” (Mark 9:38). Obviously, the disciples are more concerned about an outsider taking their place than about the good this non-Twelve exorcist is doing.
But Jesus responds with a surprising message of inclusivity: “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” (Mark 9:39–40). Jesus’ response still resonates today.
He reminds us that God’s saving work transcends human-made boundaries, surpassing our denominational and theological distinctions. The Lord’s mission is not confined to our traditions or affiliations.
As Saint Paul wrote, “God’s ways are not our ways” (Romans 11:33–36). God calls us to recognize and respect the universal scope of His action, acknowledging that His grace operates far beyond our limited visions.
Jesus wants to remind us that every act of kindness, every gesture of faith, counts. He wants to remind us not to block others who are working towards God’s kingdom, even if they’re not part of your inner circle. We’re all on the same team, striving for a common goal—spreading love, hope, and redemption.
Our first reading (Numbers 11:25–29) also reminds us that God’s plan is bigger than our limited perspectives. During the Exodus, the Israelites constantly grumbled, nostalgic for their former life in Egypt (Numbers 11:1-6). Moses, overwhelmed by their discontent, cries out to God, “I cannot carry all these people on my own; the weight is too much for me” (Numbers 11:14).
God then offers a solution. He tells Moses, “Gather for me seventy men from among the elders of Israel, whom you know to be elders and leaders of the people, and bring them to the tent of meeting, so that they may stand there with you” (Numbers 11:16).
God tells Moses: “I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you and will put it upon them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it alone” (Numbers 11:17).
The spirit came down upon the elders gathered in the meeting tent, but Eldad and Medad were missing. However, even though they were not present in the tent when the spirit came down, they nevertheless began to prophesy in the camp.
Joshua was upset that Eldad and Medad were prophesying, and he appealed to Moses: “Moses, my lord, stop them” (Numbers 11:28). But Moses responded with remarkable open-mindedness, saying, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets! Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!” (Numbers 11:29).
Moses’ attitude and open-mindedness inspire us to ask ourselves these questions: Where can I share my burdens and seek support? How can I recognize and appreciate others’ strengths? Am I holding onto jealousy? We need to remember that God’s plan is bigger than our limited perspectives.
Today’s gospel text (Mark 9:38–43, 45, 47–48) also contains some more sayings of Jesus about discipleship. They are sayings that seem harsh and uncompromising. If your hand (Mark 9:43), foot (Mark 9:45), or eyes (Mark 9:47) cause you to sin, cut them off because it is better to enter into life maimed, crippled, or without eyes than with them and end up in Gehenna, the unquenchable fire.
Clearly, Jesus does not intend these drastic measures to be literal. Instead, Jesus is talking about the supreme value of life in the Kingdom of God. In other words, God’s kingdom is of such overriding importance that we must be prepared to act vigorously against anything in our lives that would jeopardize our life in God’s kingdom.
But if the image of cutting off sounds too harsh, let’s use the gentler image of letting go. In other words, Jesus is asking us: What must you let go of to enter the kingdom of God? Perhaps we need to let go of attachment—not to material possessions, but to anger and the need for revenge.
In sum, our first reading and gospel reading today challenge us to venture beyond our comfort zones, appreciate God’s work wherever we find it, and prioritize His kingdom above anything. Let us also embrace open-mindedness and detachment from the things that hold us back. And may we turn a new page, exploring new perspectives and experiencing the richness of God’s kingdom. Amen.
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