26th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Sunday 29th September 2024

“Anyone who is not against us is for us” Jesus tells the disciples. Our inclination to form cliques inevitably gives rise to a situation of “us” and “them”. Isn’t it true that we protect our turf, including our Church’s works? Jesus reminds us that every good thing that comes from God is meant to glorify God. The temptation is to claim these good works as our own doing, forgetting that the mission belongs to God. Accordingly, God can use those within and without our circles to attend His flock, from the humblest to the greatest of actions.

The opposite of this is to lead the flock away from God, either by words or deeds. Again, anyone can do that. Thus, Jesus warns of the consequences of sin. He uses hyperboles – cutting off one’s hand and foot and tearing out one’s eye – to show the gravity of sin and the lengths we must go to to avoid falling into sin or leading others to sin.

Pride and jealousy are two sins we must counter with humility and gratitude. It is only when we are humble that we see others as equally capable of serving even better. And that leads us to be grateful that God has called many workers to the service of God’s vineyard, not just us alone. Let the “us” and “them” mentality become one of “we” for the greater glory of God.

Dear Lord, may our sincere devotion to You unite our efforts to lasting solidarity with others.