Man is a social being and so we all have the natural human needs we belong to – families, community, friends, neighborhood and various associations. The disciples of Jesus for example were happy to be part of the group of Jesus.This perhaps made them feel important and special. But at the same time, this led them to feel exclusive and proud. In the gospel reading last Sunday, they argued who was the greatest among them. Today, they tried to stop some persons who were casting out demons in the name of Jesus because they felt this gift was exclusive to them. The first reading presents a similar situation telling us how the spirit of prophesy was given to Moses the leader as well as to seventy elders. But the spirit was also given to two outsiders Eldad and Medad, who begin to prophecy and Joshua sought to stop them. For Joshua, God’s spirit is to be exclusively for ‘insiders,’ those who belong to the group. Moses on the other hand knew that God’s gift is for everyone.
When God chooses us and blesses us, it is not for ourselves but for others. It is indeed a beautiful thing to be a follower of Christ, to be an insider. But this does not mean that we exclude others from joining us, that we treat others as outsiders. This has led us to create an us- vs.-them perspective of the world. We may not think of ourselves as perfect, but we do (however unconsciously) consider our perspective of the world and our own belief and value systems to be the standards that others would be wise to embrace. In the words of an anonymous author, we all approach life pretty much the same way: There’s us — and there’s them. We’re all right. They’re not. We’re justifiably concerned for our family’s livelihood. They’re in it for the money.
We’re resting. They’re self-indulgent. We’re pragmatic. They’re manipulative. We know the truth. They don’t understand; they’re ill-informed. We’re concerned for the common good. They’re out to grab whatever they can get. Don’t ever question our good intentions, our values, our patriotism. But watch out for them. You can trust us — but be afraid of them. We welcome all — with our doors locked. We’re all created equal — but some of us are more equal than others. We are all children of God — but we’re God’s favorites. We’re the people of God — we pray for them. Jesus on the other hand is calling us to foster a community based on generosity, humility, respect and understanding for all, by all. To “act in Jesus’ name,” however, means to reach out to all without condition, without prejudice, without judgment just as Jesus did.
He promises us that even the simplest act of love or kindness – the Gospel uses the image of “cup of water – will one day be honored by God. Anyone and everyone in need have a claim on our compassion and charity because they belong to Christ. In whatever opportunities we have, with whomever we meet and are able to help, may we not hesitate to act in Jesus’ name. Rather excluding others, we should look at ourselves and learn to appreciate the great privilege of being part of the mystical body of Jesus. There are people outside who are also being used by God as his instruments. We may not know who they are, but God knows them and rewards them for sure. We should be open to accept others as our co-workers in the Lord’s vineyard. That is what the word “catholic” means universal. Jesus once again refers to his followers as “these little ones who believe in me”.
A child has no academic degrees, wealth, achievements; if we truly remain childlike followers, then we can be sure to enjoy his protection and he even promised to punish those who lead us to sin. One who is a true follower of Jesus understands the infinite value of heavenly treasures and therefore is willing to sacrifice all things for that sake. That is the meaning of the teaching in the Gospel about cutting out a limb and taking out an eye. As we come together as members of the family of God, let us not just look at one another contented that we belong to the God’s chosen family. Let us look beyond ourselves, and realize we have a mission to bring the people in. Let us not only enjoy this unity amongst ourselves but extend to the entire universe. After all, at gethsemane, he prayed “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one,Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (Jn 17:20-21).After all, at gethsemane, he prayed
