Word to the Wise
Wednesday, May 18, 2016 - Wednesday in the 7th Week in Ordinary Time
[Jas 4:13-17 and Mark 9:38-40]WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016. WEDNESDAY IN THE SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME [James 4, 13-17 and 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." [Mark] The Gospel of Mark is noted for its unsympathetic portrayal of the disciples of Jesus. In the passage for today's gospel scripture, the disciples are shown to be exclusive and intolerant. They have tried to "patent" the name of Jesus and keep others from using it to achieve the same good results! For their enthusiasm, Jesus gives them a rebuke! When zeal for a cause gets exclusive, it is a sign of trouble. If we consider ourselves to be the only certified agents of God's mercy and love, we are acting against the very thing we want to promote. Again the issue of power shows its head. There is power in the name of Jesus, but it is not meant to the the exclusive possession of any group. Our Church has to have its structures and leadership to function properly. Our faith is expressed sacramentally and there is great power for God's grace in those expressions. But we must not conclude from that that we are the only channels of God's presence in the world. That claim has led our Church astray a number of times in history, with terrible consequences. Jesus' words today should be remembered: "For whoever is not against us is for us." AMEN
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