Word to the Wise
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 - Wednesday in the 7th Week in Ordinary Time
[Sir 4:11-19 and Mark 9:38-40]"Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and 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]
One of the scourges of any parish or campus ministry is the formation of "in groups" who take over the life of the organization and exclude either directly or by their attitude anyone they don't think will "fit in." Group arrogance is nothing new as we can see from the words above from the Gospel According to Mark. St. Paul warned about it in his First Letter to the Corinthians! I have encountered it in pastoral life when I meet a student who tells me they don't participate in activities at the Catholic student center because they perceive a group of "insiders" who are not welcoming.
Jesus' tolerant attitude contrasts with that of his disciples. The task of preaching the gospel belongs to all the baptized. Yes, we who are ordained to the priesthood have a particular role to play in sacramental life but anyone can preach the gospel to another in Jesus' name. Pope Francis has spoken out time and again against "clericalism" which fosters an exclusive attitude toward church leadership and participation. We all need to encourage one another in our faith and welcome those who are making their first tentative steps toward joining us. We have Jesus' words and example to guide us: "Whoever is not against us is for us!" AMEN