26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Numbers 11:25-29
Psalm 18:8.10.12-14
James 5:1-6
Mark 9:38-43.47-48

"DON'T STOP THEM"

We usually call outsiders those who do not belong to us. Thus, we tend to exclude them, discriminate against them and try to monopolize everything. In a similar way, we try to cage God and set boundaries to the action of the Holy Spirit. Hence, today’s readings warn us against exclusivism and elitism.

In the first reading, Joshua asked Moses to stop Eldad and Medad from prophesying in the camp because they were not in the Tent of Meeting with the elders. Moses rebuked him and expressed his wish that God would give his Spirit to all the people so that they might prophesy (Nbers 11:25-29).

Similarly, John reported to Jesus that they had tried to stop a man from casting out devils in Jesus’ name, because the man was not one of them. Jesus condemned such attitude and asked them not to stop the man. He went on to warn them against being a scandal or obstacle to any of the little ones (Mark 9:38-43.47-48).

The temptation of trying to cage God is great among Christians. We tend to look down on those who do not belong to our church; we criticize them; we condemn and reject them. This is also true with regard to the various associations and prayer groups within the church. We claim others are wrong and we are right. We monopolize everything.
We are like the rich men to whom St James addresses in the second reading. They claim to have immense wealth. They oppress and cheat the poor. They become obstacle to the growth and well-being of others. But God will not keep silent (James 5:1-6).

Let us not forget therefore that God is the Father of all. He is free; and his Spirit is like the wind that “blows where it chooses” (John 3:8). We cannot therefore monopolize his grace. Neither can we set boundaries to the action of the Holy Spirit. May our belonging to Christ make us more open to others and distinguish ourselves through our charity towards all. Amen

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 66
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21

The Woman Worth Celebrating

There are two remarkable things in today's celebration. First, the Church invites us to begin this new year by celebrating a woman. Meanwhile, a woman is the symbol of life, fecundity and care. Second, the biblical passage that opens the liturgy of the Word speaks of how the priest Aaron was to bless the people of Israel (Num. 6:22-27). This shows that this new year is going to be a year of blessing.

In the second reading, St Paul says: "When the appointed time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman" (Gal. 4:4). This woman is the Blessed Virgin Mary, as we read in the gospel (Luke 2:16-21). Mary is therefore the Mother of God because the child she bore is God, who chose to dwell among men (cf. John 1:1-14).

Moreover, if the Spirit of the Son of God cries in us "Abba, Father", then we are sons and daughters of God. We are therefore brothers and sisters of Jesus. Thus, in the order of grace, Mary is our Mother also.

So it is appropriate to celebrate this woman through whom God entered our human history in human form. Through her faith and obedience to God, the Saviour of the world was born to us. She is the instrument God used to bless all humanity.

Through her intercession, may the blessings announced in the first reading become realized in our lives. May our dreams become true this year. May our Mother Mary continue to pray for us. May her Son grant us peace, joy, good health and prosperity to the works of our hands. Amen.

Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!