Readings: Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
Dualistic thinking is a kind of faulty dilemma, because it says there are only two options – either option A or option B. Sometimes there are many more options than two, or that one can choose both option A and option B. When we believe in dualism we find ourselves in a trap that can keep us from seeing clearly how to resolve conflicts, to drive out the demons we face, and to let go of our attachments. It seems the more we resist these demons, the more they persist. Addressing conflicts, attachments to wealth, and the expelling of demons are the issues addressed in our readings this weekend.
In the Book of Numbers Moses is dealing with an issue that persists in the Church up to the present time. The issue is simply this, who has the authority to speak for the faith community? When Medad and Eldad prophesied for the Jewish community, Joshua questions whether they have a right to speak. Today if someone speaks for the Church, and he or she has not been ordained, their words may be challenged and they may even be silenced. If, however, they have been inspired by the Holy Spirit, who can dispute their words?
Peter and the apostles were put on trial before the Sanhedrin for teaching about Jesus. Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, convinced the court to release them. He told the court to have nothing to do with the apostles and to let them go. “For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39) This is wisdom we would do well to follow today.
The Sanhedrin’s complaint against the apostles is not entirely unlike the complaint the apostles made to Jesus when others, “not of their company,” were driving out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus responds with the wise words “if it is by Jesus’ name that they cast out demons then neither can they speak ill of Jesus.” “Whoever is not against us is for us.” As we strive to work in ecumenism toward unity in the Christian churches we would do well to keep this teaching by Jesus in mind, rather than dwelling on what currently separates us. Don’t let the demons of rivalry and the need to control continue to dismember the body of Christ.
Finally, there is the issue of our own personal demons that we struggle with. Often what possesses us are our possessions. Attachment to things like money, power, and status, can be the most debilitating demons we face. The habitual striving for more as if it is in these things that we will find our security. True enough we need a roof over our head, and food on our table, and other essentials in order to live and to maintain our dignity, but often we don’t stop acquiring once our needs are met. We all fall prey to this, I know I do, and I suspect many of you do as well. At times we may have felt like the rich man who comes to Jesus and asks, “What must I do to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven?” When told to sell all he has and give it to the poor so he can follow, he walks away sad. What we need to take from this story is not that everyone is called to live in radical poverty. The lesson is for each of us to understand what sin stands in our way to follow Jesus. Then, once we have identified our root sin, work to reconcile that impediment. What we call our sins are often our addictions, the habitual things we do in our failed attempts for happiness.
St. Anthony of Egypt, the father of monasticism, did choose radical poverty, selling all that he had, and retreating to the desert. Even though he took this extreme approach, he was still plagued and tormented by his demons as symbolized in an engraving from the 1470s by Martin Schongauer (above). St. Anthony still had much to do to free himself from his demons, but like us, in the end, it is Christ that freed Anthony from his temptations. We only have to surrender to God’s grace so that we have the strength to reconcile our struggles. Perhaps we can begin by using what we have in excess, for the benefit of others less advantaged than ourselves. Perhaps, like the disciples, we too can cast out demons in Jesus’ name by following Jesus’ example of comforting those poor souls who also struggle with demons and are alone in this world. Here is a prayer that may help you to begin…
The Welcoming Prayer (by Father Thomas Keating)
Welcome, welcome, welcome.
I welcome everything that comes to me today
because I know it’s for my healing.
I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons,
situations, and conditions.
I let go of my desire for power and control.
I let go of my desire for affection, esteem,
approval and pleasure.
I let go of my desire for survival and security.
I let go of my desire to change any situation,
condition, person or myself.
I open to the love and presence of God and
God’s action within.
Amen.
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