Tolerance Is an Active Virtue...
Dear Parishioners,
The emerging theme from our scripture readings on this 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time hinges on the importance of tolerance and willingness to sharing God’s gift freely, without reservation or discrimination. Have we not often tried to fit God into a mold we made of him? Sometimes in our zeal to make sure that Jesus’ message will retain all its power and efficaciousness, we fall into the temptation of being either too rigid or too liberal. We corner ourselves into a particular group, party, or political class. Unfortunately, those who do not belong in any of these groups are denied the access to speak in Jesus’ name.
Our society at large is drifting through the cracks of these labels of conservatism, liberalism, and now “wokeism.” Each party acts as if they alone know and possess the truth. The notion of tolerance emerges forcefully in the first and third readings. Previously, Moses complained to God that burden of governing his people was too much to bear. So, God directed him to select some men who will assist him. God favored a shared responsibility, taking a portion of Moses’ charismatic spirit and distributing it among those selected men.
The two men Eldad and Medad also received the gifts outside the normal process. Moses’s trusted aid Joshua objected to them receiving it, but Moses overruled his objection. This teaches us to be careful not to over institutionalize everything. We must give room for the Spirit to stir us into action for good work. Sometimes it is necessary to resist institutional control, especially if it impedes God’s work.
Saint James continues to punch harder in his usual straightforward manner, addressing issues concerning social injustice. His words speak powerfully today to our current societal ills. He admonished against corruption at all levels of society, especially the exploitation of the poor. He insists that faith without good work is dead. Therefore, virtuous living becomes a proof of authenticity of a charismatic spirit.
In the gospel, Jesus argues that anyone who engaged in work of expelling demons in his name, even though not part of his company is involved in a good work. This person should not be stopped. The tolerance of Jesus and Moses sheds light on how we ought to approach issues that often bring great conflict, division and war. This is not to say that those who are fraudulent should not be called out. For a fraudulent person lacks the authentic spirit from God. Charity should be extended to those who try to act in the name of the Lord. Some may be misguided, but fraternal correction becomes necessary.
It is part of the spiritual work of mercy to instruct the ignorant, and lead those in error to truth. The Lord admonishes against causing scandal or leading others to sin. To scandalize means to put an obstacle in a person’s path. It is deliberately blocking one’s journey on the path of virtue. It creates a serious moral injury, and the gravity of such sin can be seen from Jesus’ strong condemning curses. We have come a long way in understanding this virtue of tolerance. We are called not to be passive, but inclusive with a positive thrust toward living life.
Tolerance is opposed to bigotry, racism, or sexism. No restriction can be placed on God’s action, and neither should we stand in it’s way.
Jesus, Moses and James call us to action; to do good and make room for tolerance in church, society and business. Tolerance is an active virtue that opens our hearts and broadens our visions.
In His Mercy,
I Remain Sincerely Yours In Christ,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
