In today's first reading we hear of God coming down and blessing the elders gathered together in the Tent of Meeting located outside the camp. For some unexplained reason, two elders remained in the camp and so were not present for the blessing. Nevertheless, they began to prophesy in the camp and the matter was reported to Moses. Moses responded with a great wish that God would inspire all the people.

Mark's Gospel continues to focus on trusting and belonging. Jesus' person and mission are extended into this world by anyone who is with him, doing the prophetic work of encouraging trust in the God who calls. Those who lead simple trusting believers into discouragement do not belong to Jesus. The mission of Jesus and of his followers, his people, is to encourage us hungry believers to keep on being faithful to our destiny in Christ and to believe in God's faithfulness. We are close to Jesus when we continue extending his encouraging word and reaching out to our neighbours in their journey of waiting faithfully. Let us pray for the grace to live more authentically who we are in God's presence.