SUNDAY: HOMILY FOR 26TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

SUNDAY: HOMILY FOR 26TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: NO COMPETITION IN CHRIST

BY: Fr. Paul Karabari

Num. 11: 25-29, Ps. 19, James 5: 1-6, Mark 9: 38-43, 45. 47-48

The First Reading (Numbers 11:25-29) and the Gospel Reading (Mark 9:38-43.45.47-48) present the same but important message; there is no competition in Christ. This is contrary to the happenings in Christendom today. We see men and women who have chosen themselves as God’s lieutenants fighting with an uncontrollable level of pride, jealousy, and competition. We see characters who feel that God’s gifts are meant for specific individuals. And those judged unqualified should be restrained. With ground soldiers everywhere, they know those who will make it to heaven and those already doomed. They operate as though they held keys to God’s treasure house.

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God graciously poured out his spirit of prophecy on 70 elders but also given to Eldad, and Medad hadn’t gone out with them. And some people felt these two should be stopped. Again, the disciples of Jesus stopped a man they had seen casting out demons using the name of Jesus simply because he wasn’t part of their team.

The scenarios of both readings play out everywhere today. Non Catholics already know that Catholics are candidates for hell. Within the Catholic Church, there could be groups who feel that members of other groups within the same Church are aliens. Christianity has become a place of envy and jealousy. And these vices are destructive. They divide us, cause bitterness, and make us feel superior to others. We can envy other people’s possessions, talents, circumstances, and character. It can lead to us comparing ourselves with others and feeling like we are never good enough. We can start to become ‘if only’ people. ‘If only I could be more like them.’ ‘If only I had what they have.’ ‘If only I was as popular as them.’

Envy isn’t just about worldly things. We can also envy other people’s spiritual gifts. But God has given us all gifts, and we all play different parts in His kingdom. No gift is superior to another; no person is superior to another in the Kingdom of God. Instead of envying other people’s gifts, we need to focus on using our gifts to ‘help each other’ not to compete with each other. The biggest thing we are all called to do is love. And love does not include envy. The Bible says: ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud’ (1 Corinthians 13:4). The Bible warns us of the destructive nature of envy. ‘A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones’ (Proverbs 14:30). We don’t have to let envy and jealousy control our lives. Acceptance and gratitude are the antidote to the poison of envy. It’s about accepting that God has enough and a place for everyone and learning to be thankful for the blessings that surround us and the gifts that have been given to us.

Instead of being envious, let us be happy that we have collaborators. That others can do what we can do. This is because our greatness lies in our ability to reproduce our gifts in others. That is exactly what teachers and parents do. We should be counted wicked if we think that others shouldn’t exceed our records and achievements.

Nobody can limit God. We can’t place him in a controlled box. He acts however he desires. He has enough for everyone except for the greed of man. He qualities those we see as unqualified for the blessings.

Leaders must have the minds of Moses and Jesus, who allow others to use their gifts and opportunities. We can’t finish the works of God. We must create opportunities for others to make their own contributions. We must encourage those who have the desire to serve. We have no right to hinder people simply because they aren’t familiar faces; they are not from your family or tribe. God is the God of all-inclusivenes. God must not consult you before he blesses them. Jesus wants us to cut off every vice of envy or jealousy that has taken root in our lives. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. May God bless you and your household always through Christ our Lord Amen. Happy Celebration.

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