First Reading: Nm 11:25-29; Psalm: 19. R. v. 8ab; Second Reading: Jas 5:1-6; Gospel: Mk 9:38-43.45.47-48
ELITIST MENTALITY
BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP
The strange exorcist in the gospel of today was not a popular man. The disciples of Jesus did not even know his name or where he comes from. He was just a man they bumped into in the course of their journey unaccompanied by Jesus. Does it not surprise us that who this man is, where he comes from, or the religion he practices didn’t matter to Jesus at all? Having heard a report of him, Jesus also was not bothered that this strange exorcist was not one of his followers. While his disciples were busy insisting that this man is not deserving of the gift he possesses simply because he is not one of them; Jesus enlightens them that doing good works is synonymous to being his disciple.
The reaction of the disciples to this strange exorcist comes from the mentality that the gift the exorcist possesses exclusively belongs to them. And since this strange man is not one of them and does not follow Jesus, then he is not deserving of that gift. Apparently, the disciples assumed this mentality on the ground that Jesus commissioned them and gave them power to cast out demons and heal all diseases (Lk 9:1). So where did this strange man get his power from? This elitist mentality of the disciples is one among other things that Jesus wants us to cut off.
Elitist mentality is the belief that something becomes right when it is done by certain few people but wrong when it is done by others simply because the so-called others are apart from the idolised few. In our first reading, Eldad and Medad were apart from the Tent of meeting, the holy place where God manifests his presence. But they received the gift of prophecy as much as the seventy elders in the Tent of meeting. This inspirational event resonates the teaching of Jesus in our gospel of today that the Spirit of God is not limited to certain people. “For he that is not against us is for us” (v. 40). What matters is the goodness in the works we do and not who does them.
In so many ways we showcase elitist mentality. We can be passionate in practicing and defending our faith, but not to the extent of condemning and disparaging any faith different from the one we practice. The truth that our faith professes is not completely lacking in the faith of other religions. The purity of our actions is not determined by who we are or the faith we practice but the goodness in them. The gift of prophecy and healing is not limited to priests, pastors or people of certain religion. God can use anyone as his vessel. However, we must discern the spirit to see that it is from God. We could be alienating ourselves from God while alienating ourselves from others due to disparity of faith or religion. When we promote elitist mentality, we become blind and crippled followers of Christ.
People with elitist mentality also tend to have blind spots. Like a tunnel vision that focuses exclusively on a single view. In extreme cases, people like this only considers right what they do but condemns similar action when done by others. They always have a fine way of interpreting their actions but shows disapproval when the same action is done by others. When they point out people’s mistakes, they are kind; but when others point out their faults, they see it as judgemental. When they are stingy, they are economical; but when the other person cannot help, the person becomes inconsiderate. When they are harsh, it is firmness; but when others are insistent, it is stubbornness and insolence. When he talks to other ladies, he is flirting; but when you talk to other guys, you’re social and friendly. When a Christian prays in a religious gathering, it is fine; but when a non-Christian prays in the same gathering, the person becomes a heathen. We can go on and on.
Elitist mentality has a negative and divisive influence. Hence, Moses admonished Joshua not to be jealous; and prays that the Lord puts his spirit on all people. Jesus thereafter warns us in our gospel reading to cut off whatever would lead us to sin. Elitist mentality is one of them because it breeds hostility, disparity and injustice. And it can alienate us from where God dwells and from the people God uses. St James did not hide his displeasure as he condemns the rich of his time who promoted this evil mentality by hoarding what belongs to the poor. When we begin to feel that we are in control due to some restricted privileges or certain sense of exclusivity, it can lead to negative inclinations like the oppression of those who are lacking the things we enjoy. This sinful attitude needs to be cut off.
To cut off a member of our body is practically a difficult thing to do. In like manner, to unlearn a habit of sin can be very difficult. But like Jesus said, it is better to suffer the efforts of unlearning our habits of sin than to end up in hell with them. And one habit of sin that Jesus holds up to our faces today is elitist mentality. We must cut it off; otherwise, it cuts us off.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord Jesus, save us from the sin of elitist mentality; and grant us the grace to acknowledge and appreciate the gift of your spirit in one another. Amen.
