TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

27 SEPTEMBER 2009. Today's readings may be difficult to hear. In the first reading, the Spirit bestowed on Moses is divided among the elders and they begin to preach. This preaching by some leads to enmity among the followers of Moses. So too, in the Gospel there are others outside the company of Jesus that are acting in His name, which causes enmity with the Apostles.

How often do different peoples today invoke the name of God to war and hurt others?

In the second reading we hear how the riches of the world are the downfall of the rich. How many of us, especially in the United States and the Western world, are rich beyond all comparison to those in the world who are the most needy? Will our riches be our downfall, or will we follow Christ's example of radical love? We are challenged to grow in Christ and die to ourselves each day. But, do we follow faithfully that path?

Further, in the Gospel we hear how those who have lead children to sin would be better off to have great millstones tied around their necks and be thrown into the sea. And, we are told that whatever leads us to sin, even if it is a part of our body, should be severed from us.

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.

Does this apply to parts of the Body of Christ, we believers on earth? Think about our media culture--do we allow, by our action or inaction, children to be led to sin? How difficult is the task today, in our world, to follow Christ's call? Has the enmity of division among believers broken us into groups incapable of being the true body of Christ on earth? No!

While life is difficult, our salvation is Christ! The Love of God is beyond all the damage that humanity can inflict. We can never get too big for God. He continues to be available to all--loving us, calling us, and offering us the eternal reward if we, but follow Him. Through the Church, we have that path to God.