What do today's readings at church require us to do? A few thoughts...

Today's readings for church all focus on one main idea: good works must be attempted and accomplished, and we can't wait for God to do it while we sit idly by. In fact, in the first reading from Numbers, Moses answers the people's concerns that others are prophecying with, "Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit on them all!" (Numbers 11: 28-29). And in the second reading, it is pretty clear that James has no use for the rich who have spent lavishly on material things, who have withheld wages from the workers, and who have "fattened [their] hearts for the day of slaughter" (James 5:5). 

When we finally get to the Gospel reading, we once again see someone complaining that others are doing things they think are reserved for only the Christ. John tells Jesus that they've (the apostles) tried to stop those who are driving out demons in his name, but Jesus replies simply that, "whoever is not against us is for us" (Mark 9:41). 

So what do we, here in 2024, in a country fraught with division and dissension, get from this? Thoughts and prayers are no counter-action against gun violence. Acting quickly and meaningfully to help combat climate change will be a real step towards making sure whole cities and towns are not flooded away. Feeding hungry children, clothing those who are less fortunate, and providing real access to medical care will go a long way towards acting out the mission we have been tasked with for over 2000 years. Toxic capitalism, racism, xenophobia-- those grubby, hateful ways of shutting people out and proclaiming one's own importance are going against everything good that is both given us and required of us. Ignoring the call to service that is fundamental to our existence, and padding our own pockets with "so much trash as may be grasped thus" (Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Act IV, sc. 3), is just plain wrong. Abhorrent, really.

When J.D. Vance brushed off recent school shootings as being a "fact of life" that we'll just have to get used to, I was horrified. When other GOP politicians crow about migrants drowning or dying in the desert, I am appalled. These people cannot be given an opportunity to hold power. We must take up the task of doing what is right, what will be both sustaining and sustainable. 

It's getting late in the game, folks. 

C