Monday, May 21, 2018

Reflection for May 23, Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:38-40

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:
What prompted John to prevent someone from using the name of Jesus in exorcising a demon? Was it the feeling of superiority for the reason that John was directly connected with Jesus? Was it simply arrogance?

No one has the sole right on the name of Jesus; everyone can use His name for as long as it is for a good cause. We must not make this mistake of having a feeling of superiority over others simply because we studied our religion. Or for the reason that some of us are educated or we occupy a position at church.

God allows other Christian faiths to flourish for a good reason which He only knows. Therefore, we have no right to claim exclusive ownership of Jesus for Jesus is for everyone of us. The moment we claim we are superior over everyone for we know Jesus we therefore are not true followers of Jesus.

Jesus is for everyone of us regardless who we are. And everyone has the right to use His very powerful name for a noble and good purpose. – Marino J. Dasmarinas


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