The readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B remind us not to exclude or hinder others who are doing the work of God. The first reading 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. This made some of the Isrealites complain. And in the gospel , 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.
Daily Mass Readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
- First Reading – Numbers 11:25-29: The LORD bestowed Moses' spirit on seventy elders, including Eldad and Medad who prophesied in the camp, leading Moses to wish all people were prophets.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19: God's law revives the soul and gives wisdom; His judgments are true and fair. I seek forgiveness for unknown faults and pray to be kept from deliberate sins.
- Second Reading – James 5:1-6: The rich are admonished for hoarding wealth and exploiting workers; their luxury and injustice will lead to their downfall.
- Gospel – Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48: Jesus instructed his disciples not to hinder someone casting out demons in his name, affirming those not against them are allies. He stressed the gravity of causing believers to sin, using strong metaphors to emphasize the importance of avoiding sin and its severe consequences, even if it requires personal sacrifice.
Resources
Better Together Lesson Plan
This lesson plan on working together focuses on Mark chapter 9. It helps youth understand that we need to cooperate to build the Kingdom of God.
Litany of Humility
This prayer asks for the grace to be humble, and to let go of our own need to be important, so that Jesus Christ can be exalted.
Prayer Based on Psalm 19
This prayer, based on Psalm 19, praises God for His glory and for the gift of His law. A printable copy of the prayer is included.
Social Media Graphics and Quotes
"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
Today the Church is called to go out to the streets of the existential peripheries to heal the wounded and seek the lost, without prejudices or fear, without proselytism, but ready to expand her tent to welcome everyone in an ever larger WE.
Pope Francis
All of us are brothers and sisters! Let us pray to the Most High that, after this time of trial, there may no longer be “others”, but rather, a great “we”, rich in diversity.
Pope Francis
Homilies and Reflections
United We Stand
In his homily for this Sunday, Bishop Robert Barron encourages us to not be driven by our egos. Pride and jealousy in the Church makes it easy for the Enemy to "divide and conquer".
Christian communion built by welcoming, not dividing
In his Angelus address, Pope Francis reminds us to avoid the false closeness of a group-think mentality.
Dividing the Field of the Moment
This reflection from Fr. Richard Rohr points out that "We compare, and as soon as we compare, we compete."
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