Have you ever tried to resolve a problem, only for someone else to come along and provide a solution so obvious you wonder why you hadn’t spotted it yourself in the first place? While grateful for the advice, it can be something of a dent to the ego to reminded that we don’t have all the answers.
Today’s Gospel and first reading both speak of prophets considered by some to be outside the mainstream yet continuing to exercise their ministry despite the protests of others within the ‘official’ group. The disciples must have been surprised at Jesus’ response; instead of supporting their efforts to admonish these prophets, Jesus replies ‘Anyone who is not against us is for us’. A reminder his friends that wisdom is not a quality exclusive to the twelve but can be found in anyone with faith.
The second reading speaks of the wealthy, hoarding their riches at the expense of the poor. It seems an odd reading to go with the Gospel, yet if we consider the riches that the letter of James speaks of as wisdom and knowledge rather than material wealth, perhaps there is a connection between our desire to hold on to the exclusivity that knowledge and status within certain groups brings us. It can be tempting to hold on to the familiar, change is after all disruptive and uncomfortable, far easier to avoid it altogether. Throughout the history of Christianity, prophetic voices, guided by the Spirit have helped to shape our understanding of faith, even though those ideas were not always accepted in their time. Today’s readings remind us that it is good for our faith to be challenged and shaken by the Spirit.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.