For many years people argued, as still do, about the Church’s teaching that outside of the Church there is no salvation. They take it to mean the physical manifestation of the Church and not the Church as the Catechism teaches. Many other denominations do the same. If one is not part of their church they go to hell. Yet the first reading reminds us that the us/them argument doesn’t hold for God. Eldad and Medad would have been the “Others”. God’s spirit rested on them just as it did on those who were part of the “In” group. Who are we to say God can only do thus and so, when God can clearly do whatever he pleases? Are we jealous? Can we not exclaim with Moses, “Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!”
How often do we look at those who are rich as our role model? While sometimes they can be role models, but we cannot consider them role models just because they are rich. We need to see how they live and follow what Jesus teaches? Do they allow their wealth to seduce them into thinking they no longer need God? Do we in our wealth in our country begin to think we are entitled to all that we desire, regardless of who else must suffer?
Picking up on the first reading the Gospel has some complaining about others doing good things, because they are not a part of the “In” group. We need to support those who have picked up their crosses and are following Jesus, rich or poor, noble or plebian.
Countenance of God 