After being with the Master and with one another for almost three years, the disciples still don't understand what discipleship means. First, they do not understand the destiny of the Lord Jesus, even though he keeps predicting his fate to them. And they do not know how to relate to one another. To them, mission is a career, and what is important is exclusivity, seniority and position.

In the first reading, Moses taught Joshua that the whole people of God were prophets and God gave his Spirit to them all. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples not to stop anyone from working a miracle in his name. Furthermore, he warns them not to cause scandal to the little ones, the underdog. Why? Because God "hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." (James 5:4).

The Lord Jesus says, 'Anyone who wants to be first must be the last, and the servant of all.' (Mark 9:35)