Wednesday, May 18, 2005
7th Week in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Sir 4:11-19
Gospel: Mark 9:38-40

John said to Jesus, "Master, we saw someone who drove out demons by calling upon your name, and we tried to forbid him because he does not belong to our group." Jesus answered, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in my name can soon after speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is for us."

Commentary

THE disciples don't want to face what Jesus is trying to teach them and they change the subject from the necessity of embracing the poor and the unimportant and tell Jesus that they saw someone doing what they were supposed to be doing (and sometimes can't) but that this person wasn't one of them (not in the 'in' group of chosen ones). They expect Jesus to be as incensed as they are but he startles them again. Jesus says let anyone who can do good in my name, do it. "Whoever is not against us is for us." We are to assume the goodness of people until we learn otherwise! Jesus' words remind us that anyone who does good is close to him, whether they know him, follow him publicly or not. Jesus' goodness and power are not limited to those whom we think should have it or use it! Something to humble us and make us look at all people with hope and amazement.

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