Dear Sisters and Brothers in Faith:
“Who’s in and who’s out?” This question is most of ten asked by those who are pretty sure they’re in! In today’s first reading Joshua was feeling sure that Eldad and Medad were not in. Moses rebukes Joshua and asserts that he wished all the people of the Lord were prophets who had been given the Spirit.
“Who’s in and who’s out?” John felt certain that the one casting out demons in Jesus’ name should be stopped. However, Jesus reminds John that, “Whoever is not against us is for us.”
“Who’s in and who’s out?” Pope Francis has issued statements to the effect that, during the Year of Mercy, priests will be allowed to forgive those who have undergone abortions, and that the rules for those divorcees seeking a decree of nullity for their original marriage should be relaxed. Think of the negative reactions in some quarters the Holy Father has been given, simply for reaching out to those who may have felt excluded in the past!
“Who’s in and who’s out?” St. Benedict, in the Prologue to the Rule, proclaims that the Lord seeks his laborer in a multitude of people. Age-old monastic wisdom suggested combating judgmental tendencies by always putting the best interpretation possible on what our companions in faith are doing. This seems like a very good idea! Can’t we all remember the embarrassment of being completely mistaken in judging another, or how hurt we were when we were on the receiving end of another’s erroneous judgment?
“Who’s in and who’s out?” We must take care never to cause someone who is seeking Jesus to stumble over our poor example as Jesus’ disciple. Rather we should strive wholeheartedly for absolute integrity and single-minded dedication as a full-time commitment to the Lord.
I hope you have a Christ-filled week!
St. Vincent de Paul, pray for us!
May the Holy Spirit always be with you.
Deacon Mike