In our first reading, from the book of Numbers, Moses’ young aide, Joshua, speaks out against two men who have received the spirit of prophecy from God, but not directly from Moses. Rather than take offense at this outpouring of the Spirit, Moses affirms the gift, exclaiming, “Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets! Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!” Rather than worrying for his own reputation as God’s prophet, Moses welcomes God’s gift of the Spirit to those chosen and teaches Joshua to do the same. In this way, he anticipates the much greater outpouring of the Spirit that will occur centuries later on Pentecost.
Like Joshua, the apostle John also believes he is protecting the reputation of his master when he tells Jesus of someone exorcising demons who does not belong to their fellowship. Jesus responds: “Do not prevent him…whoever is not against us is for us.” His disciples must not only learn to recognize and welcome the work of the Holy Spirit when it manifests outside of their small circle, they must also learn to welcome any small gifts offered them on behalf of Christ, recognizing it as service done to their master.
Finally, Jesus exhorts his disciples to bring their minds away from obsessively watching the actions of others and to focus once again on their own hearts, where defiling things dwell. Using hyperbole, he illustrates the extent to which his followers must wage daily battles against sin: “…if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna…”
Though difficult, this daily struggle to overcome sin ultimately produces humility and the hope of eternal life. As we learn to rely on the graces provided by the Holy Spirit (rather than our own efforts), we also learn to extend grace to others. Let us pray this week for the grace to wage war against sin with humility and charity towards those around us.
Reflection by Parishioner Kathryn Wilmotte