Gospel Reading: Mk 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.”
DO NOT
PREVENT HIM
The disciples claim exclusivity on the ministry of exorcism. They forbid a man from using Jesus’ name in driving out demons. They reason out: he does not follow them. This is the first time that the issue is raised. The man should not exorcise because he does not follow “them,” not just Jesus. One can be immobilized from doing something good for failure to follow them.
Jesus clarifies who is with them: the one who does not speak ill of him after using his name. For Jesus, this is all right. The man is presumed to be in good standing with Jesus.
The lesson here is that the disciples cannot claim exclusive rights on exorcism. And if they see other people not following them physically, they should not be quick to judge or reject them.
We may be guilty of speaking ill of Jesus when we complain before other people that he does not seem to listen to our prayers. We may blaspheme: God, where were you when my mother was sick? We dare God do what we want now.
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Can you encourage other people to help the needywithout claiming exclusive rights?
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
