Sunday Lectionary: Extraordinary Grace

As I said, I’ll still be producing these Lectionary Notes from time to time, as and when we have new people leading the JP2 Group’s Bible Study. This week Rob will be leading for the first time, so here are some notes…

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 30th, 2012

Our Readings this week concern God’s gratuitous gift of His Spirit.

In the First Reading, even though Eldad and Medad were not at the Tent of Meeting, God’s Spirit falls upon them. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples not to hinder the work done in His name by others simply because they didn’t belong to their group. Jesus then gives them some warnings, exhorting them to cast off anything which hinders their entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. St. James in our Second Reading is handing out warnings too, especially to the rich.

The Sacraments are the “ordinary” means of God’s grace (although far from “ordinary”!), but God’s grace is not simply restricted to the Sacraments. So, as you go about this week, be on the lookout for God’s “extra-ordinary” grace at work…

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Reading I: Numbers 11:25-29

We have heard quite a bit from the Book of Deuteronomy recently. However, this week we hear from the Book of Numbers. Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible, just before Deuteronomy. The narrative of Numbers covers about thirty-nine years, running from around the second year in the desert up until Moses’ death just prior to the entry into the Promised Land.

The original Hebrew version of this book titles it “Bammidbar”, which means “In the wilderness”. However, in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint), it is called “Numbers” because it concerns the counting of the people. The people are counted in a census which is used to demonstrate that God has remained faithful to His promise to Abraham:

I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore – Genesis 22:17

When the Patriarch Joseph brought His father Jacob into Egypt, there were 70 people, but by the time of the Exodus there were 600,000…

The Book of Numbers is divided into three main sections:

1. Numbers 1 – 9
Sinai Discourse

2. Numbers 10 – 21
Journey in the wilderness, from which our extract today is drawn.

3. Numbers 22 – 36
Plains of Moab Discourse

Israel has broken their covenant with God twice now. Moses has complained to God about the strain of having to care for all the (grumbling) People of Israel. In response to this, God tells him to summon the seventy elders…

The LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses. Taking some of the spirit that was on Moses, the LORD bestowed it on the seventy elders; and as the spirit came to rest on them, they prophesied.

Now two men, one named Eldad and the other Medad, were not in the gathering but had been left in the camp. They too had been on the list, but had not gone out to the tent; yet the spirit came to rest on them also, and they prophesied in the camp. So, when a young man quickly told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp, “ Joshua, son of Nun, who from his youth had been Moses’ aide, said, “Moses, my lord, stop them.” 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!”

Questions:

• What is going on in this Reading?
• What is the significance of “the cloud”?
• On whom does God distribute the spirit? Can you think of a New Testament parallel to this?
• Were “Eldad” and “Medad” two of the “seventy elders”? Where were they? What happened?
• What does “Joshua” want to do about this? (Who was “Joshua”?)
• How does Moses respond?
• How does this passage point forward to the New Testament?

Commentary:

The LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses. 

A cloud is is often associated with the presence and power of God.

Taking some of the spirit that was on Moses, the LORD bestowed it on the seventy elders; …

Moses had complained that he alone carried the responsibility for the people. In response to this, God “shares out” the spirit given to Moses among the seventy elders.

The number “seventy” is important. In Jesus’ ministry He appoints seventy(-two) men to go out ahead of Him:

After this the Lord appointed seventy(-two) others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was to go. .. – Luke 10:1

…and as the spirit came to rest on them, they prophesied.

This appears to be some kind of charismatic phenomenon:

When they arrived at Gibeah, a process of prophets met [King Saul]; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying. When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, “What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” …

… so [King Saul] sent men to capture [Samuel]. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s men and they also prophesied. Saul was told about it, and he sent more men, and they prophesied too. Saul sent men a third time, and they also prophesied. Finally, he himself left…But the Spirit of God came even upon him, and he walked along prophesying… He stripped off his robes and also prophesided in Samuel’s presence. He lay that way all that day and night… – 1 Samuel 10:10; 19:20-24

In our First Reading the end of this verse is omitted. It tells us that “they did not [prophesy] again”. This gift of prophesy appears to have only been temporary, used to establish and demonstrate their authority.

Now two men, one named Eldad and the other Medad, were not in the gathering but had been left in the camp. 

These two men had remained at the main camp and hadn’t come out to the Tent of Meeting.

“Eldad” means “whom God has loved” and “Medad” means “love”.

They too had been on the list, but had not gone out to the tent; …

They were two of the “seventy elders” but for whatever reason they didn’t go out to the Tent with the others.

…yet the spirit came to rest on them also, and they prophesied in the camp. 

The Spirit of God was not constrained by their geographical location!

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” – John 3:8

So, when a young man quickly told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp, ” Joshua, son of Nun, who from his youth had been Moses’ aide, said, “Moses, my lord, stop them.” 

Joshua wants to stop this from happening. Moses’ response gives us a clue as to why…

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!”

Moses doesn’t feel the slightest bit threatened by this! Paul had a similar attitude:

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. – Philippians 1:15-18

Paul doesn’t really care what people’s motivation is, as long as the Gospel is preached!

Moses would love it if everyone was a prophet! This ties in with Joel’s prophecy

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days…” – Joel 2:28-29

…and this, of course, is fulfilled at Pentecost and in the life of the Church.

 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven…Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…” – Acts 2:5, 38

Moses would love the Spirit be poured out on all! Then the people might cease rebelling against God the whole time!

…because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. – Romans 8:2

There is an emphasis here in our First Reading is that the Spirit is a gift of God (“Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!”). The words of Moses remind me of St. Peter in the Book of Acts when the Spirit of God falls on the Gentiles:

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized… – Acts 10: 44-48

Although Moses felt in no way threatened by this outpouring of God’s spirit, we read in Chapter 12 how, when Moses’ leadership is challenged, there are dire consequences…

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14

Our psalm this week praises the Law of God (it’s one of three great Torah psalms – 1, 19, 119) and exhorts those listening to obey it and to keep themselves unpolluted by the world.

R. (9a) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just.

Though your servant is careful of them, very diligent in keeping them, Yet who can detect failings? Cleanse me from my unknown faults!

From wanton sin especially, restrain your servant; let it not rule over me. Then shall I be blameless and innocent of serious sin. 

Questions:

• What is the focus of this psalm?
• What is said of God’s “law”?
• What is said of “fear of the Lord”? What does this phrase mean?

Commentary:

R. (9a) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The teachings of the Lord give joy.

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

God’s law is perfect and trustworthy. It refreshes the soul and bestows wisdom.

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just.

The phrase “fear of the Lord” refers to the knowledge of who we are and who God is and the awe and obedience to Him which comes from this.

Though your servant is careful of them, very diligent in keeping them, Yet who can detect failings? Cleanse me from my unknown faults!

Even when we try to follow God’s commands we fail, knowingly and unknowingly. The Psalmist begs for God’s forgiveness.

This would be an appropriate prayer for Joshua and John to pray (“Cleanse me from my unknown faults”).

From wanton sin especially, restrain your servant; let it not rule over me. Then shall I be blameless and innocent of serious sin. 

The psalmist asks for the grace to not be ruled by sin and to resist it.

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Reading II: James 5:1-6

This is our last week of reading James. This section of James reads like a  judgement oracle from one of the Old Testament prophets.

Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries. Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten, your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire. You have stored up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he offers you no resistance.

Questions:

• What is the style of this passage of James?
• To whom does James give a warning?
• What does he say about the rich and the poor?
• To what do you think “the righteous one” refers?

Commentary:

Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries. 

Jesus said something very similar:

“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation” – Luke 6:24

Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten, your gold and silver have corroded, …

Again, Jesus said something very similar:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:19

Neither Jesus nor James is not saying that money is bad in and of itself. James is complaining about what the rich have done (and not done) with their money. Those blessed with riches should use their wealth for the common good and for the good of the poor:

“Spend your money for brother and friend, and hide it not under a stone to perish” – Sirach 29:10

“They have a moral obligation not to keep capital unproductive and, in making investments, to think first of the common good. … The right to private property is inconceivable without responsibilities to the common good. It is subordinated to the higher principle which states that goods are meant for all” – Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith (22 March 1986), Libertatis conscientia, 87

In contrast with this, the rich have been hoarding their possessions and have been insensitive to the poor. James underscores the worthless nature of their possessions by describing their corruption (“…rotted away…moth-eaten…corroded”).

…and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire. 

This most likely refers to the fire of judgement:

If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. – 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

…for our “God is a consuming fire…” – Hebrews 12:29

You have stored up treasure for the last days. 

You have stored up treasure in the days of the coming judgement – d’oh!

Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 

The rich have oppressed the poor:

Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight. – Leviticus 19:13

Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. Pay them their wages each day before sunset, because they are poor and are counting on it. Otherwise they may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin. – Deuteronomy 24:14-15

“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almight y – Malachi 3:5

James’ exhortation to social justice is rooted in theology – God will know.

The “Lord of hosts” is alternatively rendered “Lord almighty”. It is a common name for God in the Old Testament and refers to God in His strength and was often used by the prophets (e.g. Isaiah 5:9)

You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. 

You have been fattening yourself up for slaughter at the judgement:

Yet you know me, Lord;
you see me and test my thoughts about you.
Drag them off like sheep to be butchered!
Set them apart for the day of slaughter! – Jeremiah 12:3

You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he offers you no resistance.

This could be a reference to a couple of parts of the Deuterocanon:

“He slays his neighbor who deprives him of his living: he sheds blood who denies the laborer his” – Sirach 34:22

“…The righteous man who had died will condemn the ungodly who are living, and youth that is quickly perfected will condemn the prolonged old age of the unrighteous man….” – Wisdom 3:3-5:16

It could also refer to the persecution of Christ by persecuting Christians:

Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me – Matthew 25:40

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Gospel Reading: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

In our Gospel we continuing moving through the Gospel of Mark.

At that time, John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And 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, where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'”

Questions:

• How does this passage relate to the First Reading?
• What does John tell Jesus? What did John and the other apostles try to do? How does Jesus respond?
• What is Jesus’ lesson here?
• What is the character of the second paragraph?
• Who are the “little ones”? What warning is given to those who would lead them to sin?
• What does Jesus say about “hand” or “foot” which causes someone to sin? How do we interpret that? How might we apply this teaching in other areas of our lives?

Commentary:

At that time, John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” 

There is a clear similarity here to the First Reading. Like Joshua, John is suffering from exclusivism. Some people unrelated to the group of disciples have been casting out demons in the name of Jesus.  He presumes that only a select few will carry out the work of God. Also, is John actually more concerned with his own status and privilege (since he was one of the Twelve?):

 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. – Mark 3:14–15

Recall that, on one occasions, the disciples had been unable to do complete the task of exhorcism:

Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” – Mark 9:18

We find out in Acts that there were other people outside of the disciples who went about trying to cast out evil spirits, some with success and some…well, not so much…

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. – Acts 19:13-16

Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. 

Jesus takes a generous, gracious approach.

The person who was driving out demons clearly recognized Jesus’ greatness and acting under the Spirit:

Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. – 1 Corinthians 12:3

As usual, St. Augustine has some wise words for us:

“Some who are intent on severe disciplinary principles which admonish us to rebuke the restless, not to give what is holy to dogs (Matthew 7:6; 15:26; Mark 7:27), to consider a  despiser of the Church as a heathen, to cut off from the unified structure of the body the member which causes scandal (Matthew 5:30; 18:8-9; Mark 9:42-48), so disturb the peace of the Church that they try to separate the wheat from the chaff before the proper time (Matthew 13:29-30). Blinded by this error, they are themselves separated instead from the unity of Christ” – Saint Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 413), Faith and Works, 4,6

For whoever is not against us is for us. 

The proverb form of this lesson. Jesus is warning the disciples against exclusivism. Good things can exist outside of their circle! God can work there! We can certainly apply this proverb to our Church life, Parish life and Diocesan life, as well as ecumenical relationships with those outside of communion with the Catholic Church.

Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

This is a parallel with last week’s Gospel passage:

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” – Mark 9:37

However, this time the teaching concerns others blessing the disciples.

Just before we were hearing about the extraordinary act of exoticism and now we hear about the simple act of giving someone a cup of water…

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea…

There’s a slight change of tack here, but these warnings should be considered in light of the first paragraph concerning the exorcist.

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly – James 3:1

Does the way in which we act cause scandal and cause others to stumble?

“… If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire…”

Sin is serious!

“Be perfect, even as your heavenly father is perfect” – Matthew 5:48

If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live.  For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. – Romans 8:13

John and the Apostles were too concerned with what other people were doing, rather than considering their own walk with God:

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight – Ephesians 1:4

“Gehenna” was the Hinnom Valley (“ge Hinnom” in Hebrew). It was a place of child sacrifice to the god Molech and because it was a place of defilement:

He desecrated Topheth, which was in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, so no one could use it to sacrifice their son or daughter in the fire to Molek. – 2 Kings 23:10

It is synonymous with a place of torment for the wicked.

“…And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna… “

Again, Jesus emphasizes that it is more important to get to Heaven than to allow things of the earth to hinder our journey there. This is the literal meaning of the passage. The literalistic interpretation means that we should actually start chopping off limbs! Having said that, it would actually be better to be without a hand or foot and make it to Heaven, rather than have all your digits and enter Hell.

“…And 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, …“

How could we apply this saying of Jesus when it comes to our tendency to sin with our computer, iPhone, TV etc? Would it be better to enter the Kingdom with no TV than to enter Hell with a flat screen and cable?

“…where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'”

The phrase “their worm does not die” may refer to eternal remorse in Hell.  The phrase “the fire is not quenched” may refer to the physical punishment.

“And they will go out and look on the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; the worms that eat them will not die, the fire that burns them will not be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.” – Isaiah 66:24

“This is no trivial subject of inquiry that we propose, but rather it concerns things most urgent, and about which many inquire: namely, whether hell fire has any end. For that it has no end Christ indeed declared when He said, ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched’. Yes, I know a chill comes over you on hearing these things. But what am I to do? For this is God’s own command. … Ordained as we have been to the ministry of the word, we must cause our hearers discomfort when it is necessary for them to hear. We do this not arbitrarily but under command” – Saint John Chrysostom (ca. A.D. 392), Homilies on the First Epistle to the Corinthians, 9,1