Originally published at National Catholic Register
User’s Guide to Sunday, Sept. 29
Sunday, Sept. 29, is the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass readings: Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48.
In the Gospel there is a certain tension between legitimate freedom and truths we must insist upon. We also have a lot to learn in sorting out friends and foes.
The text begins, “John said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.’”
John has confused priorities. Task No. 1 is to advance the kingdom of God, taking back territory from the Evil One. There are certain things that the Lord gave only for the apostles to do. It was they, not just anyone, who were to preach and formally teach in Jesus’ name, to baptize, to confirm, to celebrate the Eucharist, to forgive sins, to lead with authority, and to appoint successors and helpers by the laying on of hands. There is a hierarchy and line of authority to respect in certain matters, especially official teachings and the administration of the sacraments.
Yet it is foolish to think that every gift
