Reflection for Wednesday February 23, Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr (M): 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:

Have you encountered and arrogant and intolerant person?  

Arrogance and intolerance are often times what prevents us from becoming effective followers of Jesus. For example if we see a group of sinners, should we avoid them? Or should we be friends with 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 power and authority 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 faithfully doing the mission of Jesus, it prevents us from bringing people closer to Jesus. Lest we forget Jesus became man not only for those who are good but also for sinners.  

Let us avoid to be arrogant, to be intolerant and judgmental. Let us instead always show the mercy, humility and love of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas