Sunday Reading Reflections:

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
Sunday, September 27, 2009

SOCIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY

Mark 9:38-48

Sometimes we act and speak as though we have the monopoly on access to the power of God.

We don't, and in today's gospel Jesus seems to be telling his disciples that God works through people of good will, irrespective of whether they are on the edge ('not one of us') or at the centre of the reign of God movement.

Much the same message is found in the first reading (Numbers 11:25-29) which has Joshua, assistant to Moses, trying to exclude two men from prophesying on somewhat tenuous grounds. Moses does not take Joshua's advice. On the contrary, he prays that the Spirit of God might 'rest on' and, by implication, work through all God's people.

Both the gospel passage and the reading from Numbers affirm the role of the community leadership and religious tradition in selection for public ministry but seem to be warning against attempts to control or domesticate the Spirit of God.

The second part of the gospel reading (9:42-48) brings a dramatic change of mood as it takes up the issue of scandalising the 'little ones'.

The reference to 'little ones' marks a return to the setting in the latter part of last week's gospel reading where Jesus takes a little child in his arms and instructs his disciples.

The horror of harming the little ones is dramatised in a series of sayings that challenge the most vivid imagination. These sayings are hardly intended to be taken literally. It may, however, offer some solace to those little ones who have suffered 'scandal' or worse to know that there is no stronger condemnation in the gospels than that reserved for those who bring harm to children and vulnerable others.

We are all called as church to heal the hurts of the past and to create conditions that ensure the protection and safety of our youth.

By way of footnote, today is Social Justice Sunday in Australian Catholic communities. Taking up the theme of last year's World Youth Day, the church is urging our young people to be gospel witnesses to the ends of the earth.

They cannot do this without theological and biblical education, our trust, and a massive injection of resources. Let those of us who have laboured for some time in gospel ministry put all our energy and resources into making it possible for them to take up the challenge of gospel witness.

by Sr. Veronica Lawson RSM (East Ballarat)