In today's Gospel reading, the disciples complain about someone (who was not part of their group) casting out demons in Jesus' name. Jesus' response is that the man should not be stopped, for "whoever is not against us is for us." The importance of the ministry of every person, rather than just the ministry of disciples or clergy or church members, is so great, that to despise other ministries is to risk personal disaster. If pride in our own ministry is getting in the way, cut off that pride.

In the first reading, Moses complains to God about the burden of being the sole leader of the Israelites. God has Moses call together seventy of the leaders and gives them a share of the Spirit. Two of those chosen had not come to the meeting, and yet they also received the Spirit. When some complain about those two, Moses upholds the value of their ministry as well.

We continue to read from the Letter of James for our second lesson. Here James give some pastoral advice to the elders (the Greek word is "presbyters," the origin of the term "priest" in the Christian church). The leaders are to minister to the sick, anointing them with laying on of hands and prayer. James reminds us that the prayers of faithful people are the source of God's power.

Our ordained leaders are not the sole ministers of Christ; rather, they model the ministry we are all to perform. In our baptism, we are set apart as ministers of Christ who share in his royal priesthood. It is in that ministry, especially to the poor, oppressed, and dying, that we find God present to us in the lives of those for whom we care. Our ministry is expressed in our liturgical actions, and the Eucharist is the model for our daily living and for the nature of God's Kingdom.