2024/09/29 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

- Nicole Zenner, Chief of Staff & Strategy

Today’s first reading and Gospel remind me of the tension we still see today within the Christian community, and within the Catholic community.  
“You’re not a Christian if you act like this. You’re not a Catholic if you believe in that.” 
How many times has someone said that to you? How many times have you said or thought that about another person? 

I think it’s fascinating that we, as a human race, still struggle with many of the same emotions and issues that the Apostles struggled with over 2,000 years ago. We’ve arguably advanced in so many other ways, but how do our human emotions and opportunities to sin continue to be the same as those long ago? 

In many ways we still fall into the trap today of being exclusive in ministry and just not embracing different approaches to ministry. Faith is such a personal journey. One that is not a straightforward line. One where we question and doubt. One where, we as Christians even, have different doctrines. The lesson here is that the kingdom of God is bigger than any single group or denomination, and we should be open to others doing good in Jesus' name, even if they aren’t part of our inner circle. This can be a very bitter pill for us to swallow. But it’s our reminder that God is in charge here.  

God is our Creator and Father. He reveals himself to us when and where He wants to. It is not up to us to say that an unexpected or unconventional person or ministry is wrong. Our purpose is to grow the kingdom of God, and not as how we want it, but how God wants it. Because as Numbers 11:20 says, “Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit on them all!”  

Let us challenge each other in the week ahead to put aside our pride and righteousness to embrace that our God is a mighty God who has a grand plan to grow His kingdom. Let us be instruments, and not barricades, to His plan. Let us be patient and open to receive the Holy Spirit. Let us welcome others to know Jesus and to imitate his love and mercy to all.