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Reflection for Sunday 09/20/09

READINGS
First Reading: Numbers 11:25-29
Second Reading: James 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

REFLECTION:
The Holy Spirit has always been active in the world but we have not always recognized the Spirit’s actions or recognized His power. In the time of Moses, the Lord God sent the Holy Spirit to the elders who had gathered in the tent at God’s request and the elders began to prophesy. Two others who had not gone to the tent were also filled with the Spirit and this disturbed Joshua. Joshua asked Moses to forbid those two from prophesying, but Moses declined, saying that he wished all the Lord’s people were prophets. In much the same way, Jesus’ disciples were dismayed when someone not of their number was casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus urged them to be tolerant, “whoever is not against us is for us.” Why do we respond to the Spirit this way? Perhaps we have preconceived ideas about how and when the Spirit will be present. Maybe we need to remind ourselves that the presence of the Spirit is not a gift to be grasped, but a means to allow God to be present to people in comprehensible ways – even though the circumstances may be unexpected.

1. When have you heard God’s Word from the “wrong” source? How did it affect your ability to hear the Word?
2. Whom do you know who seems to do Jesus’ work but without claiming to be a follower of Jesus?

PRAYER:
Holy Spirit, help me to recognize Your presence in the world and welcome Your gifts more readily. Amen

Mass Readings