Catechism Corner | Members of Mystical Body

Man is a social being. We all have the natural human need to belong – a family, community, friends, and various associations. The disciples were, indeed, happy to be part of the group of Jesus. That must have made them feel important and special. But at the same time, that also led them to feel exclusive – and proud. In last Sunday's Gospel, they were, in fact, arguing about who was the greatest among them. And in the Gospel today, they learned about some people outside the group who were casting out demons in the name of Jesus. They tried to stop them. They sincerely believed that the gift of exorcising demons was exclusive to them. This is similar with the case in the first reading. Joshua tried to stop Eldad and Medad from prophesying because they were not present in the camp when the Spirit of God through Moses descended upon the group of elders. But Moses knew better. He told them: "Are you jealous for my sake? If only all the people of the Lord were prophets! If only the Lord would bestow his spirit on them!" (Numbers 11:29).

It is such a wonderful thing to be part of the group of Jesus, to be the insiders. But this does not mean that we exclude others from joining us, that we treat others as outsiders. That is not what God wants. And we cannot limit God's actions, nor can we stop Him from imparting His gifts and blessings to others who do not belong to our group. Nobody has the monopoly of God's gifts and favors. Rather than excluding others, we should look at ourselves and learn to appreciate the great privilege of being part of the group of Jesus, members of his Mystical Body.

What does it really mean to be considered "insiders"? The Gospel this Sunday outlines several important points.

First, to be a genuine insider, there should be an attitude of openness. Jesus said: "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" (9:39-40). This simply means there are many people outside who are also being used by God as His instruments. We may not know who they are, but God knows them, and He rewards them for sure: "Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will not lose his reward" (9:41). We should be open to accept others as our co-workers in the Lord's vineyard. That is what it means by the word "catholic" – universal.

Second, a true member of Christ must always maintain the attitude of a child. The many painful divisions and misunderstandings among us are usually caused by pride, ambition and jealousy. St. James pointed that out in last Sunday's lesson: "Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice" (James 3:16). We are constantly seeking things that divide us. But if we can accept the poverty, loneliness and insecurity within each of us, we will find enough ground for unity."

Third, the genuine member of the Church knows perfectly well the infinite value of the heavenly treasures and is, therefore, all too ready to sacrifice everything in order to please God and win heaven. That is the meaning of the teaching in the Gospel about cutting one's limbs and gouging out an eye, which is to be interpreted figuratively.

We come together once again as members of the family of God. Let us not just look at one another, contented that we belong to God's chosen family. Rather, let us look beyond ourselves, and begin to realize that we have our mission to bring people in. Let us not just enjoy the unity among ourselves, but should also strive to expand this unity towards others outside. After all, this is the prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane: "I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you" (Jn 17:20-21).

Fr. Antonius David Tristianto, O.Carm.