Gospel: Mark
9:38-40
John said
to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we
tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “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. For whoever is not against us is for us.”
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Reflection:
Arrogance
and intolerance are often times what prevent us from becoming effective
followers of Jesus. For example if we see a homosexual couple who are living
together, should we avoid them? Or should we be friend them and live the
teachings of Jesus through them. The best course of action to take is to be
friends with them with the hope in mind that by doing so we would be able to
eventually convert and enlighten them.
When John
saw someone who was not in their group driving out demons in the name of Jesus
he tried to prevent them. Perhaps, John thought that they only have the
monopoly of holiness to drive out demons. So what did Jesus do when John told
Him about this incident? He told John let him do what he was doing for whoever
is not against them is for them also.
To be
arrogant, intolerant and judgmental is not good. It prevents us from genuinely
doing the mission of Jesus, it prevents us from bringing people to Jesus. We
might forget that Jesus became man not only for the righteous. He became man to
convert sinners to give them mercy and forgiveness.
Let us
avoid to be arrogant, to be intolerant and judgmental. Let us instead show the
mercy and love of Jesus. Who knows by doing so we may be able to bring them
closer to Jesus. …
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