Scripture Readings

Sunday   September 27, 2015

First Reading   Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29

What constitutes legitimate need and legitimate leadership is the focus of the reading. God provides manna in the wilderness, yet the people crave meat. What is truly needful? God bestows the spirit on seventy elders, yet two men not designated as leaders prophesy in the power of God’s spirit. What constitutes real leadership?

Second Reading   James 5:13-20

Marks of the Christian community include praying for those who are sick and in need, celebrating with those in good health, restoring those who have strayed, confessing sins to one another, and offering forgiveness to each other.

 Gospel   Mark 9:38-50

On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus teaches his disciple about ministry that involves service and sacrifice. His disciples are slow to realize that these words apply to them as well as to others.