Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Jesus is the New Moses. Joshua came to Moses and asked him to stop Edad and Medad from prophesying. But Moses replies, “Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets!” Likewise, John says to Jesus, “We saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him.” He extends it even further than Moses: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.” And the opposite is also true, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”

Our deeds have consequences. Our good deeds, charity, the corporal and spiritual works of mercy bring peace and open hearts to receive the Lord. If you no longer remember what the works of mercy are here is the list: The Seven Works of Corporal Mercy 1. Visit and care for the sick. 2. Feed the hungry. 3. Give drink to the thirsty. 4. Shelter the homeless. 5. Clothe the naked. 6. Redeem the captive. 7. Bury the dead. The Seven Works of Spiritual Mercy 1. Instruct the ignorant. 2. Counsel the doubtful 3. Admonish the sinner. 4. Console the sorrowful. 5. Bear wrongs patiently. 6. Forgive all injuries. 7. Pray to God for the living and the dead. All these lead to our own holiness when they are done for the sake of Jesus and they lead to the salvation of others. When we do these things out of love, we become prophets in the world of the love of God for each person.

The opposite is true. Our sins deprive us of the power to proclaim Jesus with authority. They affect our families, our friends, and our society. They become obstacles to faith and they lead to unhappiness for all both now and in the next life. That’s why Jesus is so adamant that it is better to lose a hand, a foot, or an eye than to sin and lose your soul. It’s why James tells the rich to weep. The pleasures of this world do not last: riches, power, fame all turn to nothing. But Jesus offers you a full heart, love, peace,  and a share in his own eternal life and glory. Open your hearts to him and receive his Holy Spirit. Would that all the people were prophets!