In the Gospel of Mark, which many churches will be hearing this coming weekend, Jesus encounters tribalism and jealousy among his own apostles. Someone outside their circle of associates was casting out demons in the name of Jesus, and John the apostle is ready to take up arms against that person, “because he does not follow us.” But Jesus will not put up with this jealousy and narrowmindedness. He states boldly: “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.”

In another Scripture many churches will hear this Sunday, from the Book of Numbers, Moses encounters the same tribalism and jealousy. He and the 70 elders had gone out into the desert, where the Spirit had come upon them powerfully so that they were now able to prophesy. But two of the elders, who hadn’t been present at this desert encounter with the Spirit, were also seen to be prophesying. Moses’ aide Joshua wanted Moses to forbid these two, but Moses’ response, which echoes down the ages, is important: “Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit on them all!” Jesus in the gospel is echoing the openness of spirit of Moses.

In this time of divisiveness, tribalism, judgmentalism of strangers, we can learn much from Jesus and Moses. We should rejoice in goodness wherever we find it, whether it comes from our own circle of friends and associates, or whether it comes from strangers or others with whom we may disagree. Rather than thinking we have a “corner” on good deeds and virtue, and being suspicious and judgmental about the actions of others, may we recognize goodness wherever it exists, and cooperate with others whenever we can, to help us have a more peaceful and harmonious human family throughout the earth.