This weekend, our readings provide us with two similar sayings from two different people. The first comes from Moses in response to Joshua’s request that Moses prevent Eldad and Medad from prophesying. His claim was that they were not with the rest who went up to the tent to receive the Spirit. They stayed in the camp, even though their names were on the list of those to receive the gift of prophesy. Moses rebukes Joshua: “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit on them all!”
Then we encounter in the Gospel John who informs Jesus that he and the others attempted to stop a man who was driving out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”
Both responses remind us that the Will of God must not be prevented or stopped. We must do all we can to ensure that God’s word is heard and received. If a miracle or prophecy done in the name of Christ is effective, then we must be grateful and respond accordingly.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne