26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B (2021)

The readings for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B remind us not to exclude or hinder others who are doing the work of God. The first reading (Numbers 11:25-29) tells of two men receiving the spirit to prophesy even though they were not present when the group who were to receive the spirit met. The psalm (Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14) sings “the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.” The second reading (James 5:1-6) warns against seeking the riches of this world. And in the gospel (Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48), the apostles are concerned because a man not in their company was driving out demons in Jesus’ name. But Jesus tells them not to stop him.

These readings could lead to a discussion about pride and jealousy or to consider the relationship between the Catholics and other religions. Here are some ideas:

If All of the People of the Lord Were Prophets!

But Moses answered him, "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!"