A reading from the gospel according to Mark 9:38-40:

38 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.”
39 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.
40 For whoever is not against us is for us.”

Reflection: United against evil

God works in various ways. Many times He empowers ordinary people in ordinary situations as His instrument to do mighty deeds. He works in mysterious ways too that sometimes, it makes us wonder whether a particular work is really from Him or from the enemy. That is why, it is necessary to always ask the help of the Holy Spirit to grant us the gift of discernment.

The gospel reading above tells us about the incident where the disciples of Jesus attempted to prevent someone outside of their group from using the name of Jesus to drive out demons. Jesus Himself told them not to do it because whoever is not against them is for them. This is a great lesson for inclusivity. Many people have the mindset of exclusivity or the “we versus others” attitude.

The work of salvation is for everyone of any group, race or for that matter religion. Doing good is not the prerogative of anyone and no one can claim entitlement to heaven except those who have lived a life of holiness whether they belong to our group or not. The call is for all of us to be united in promoting the Kingdom of God and to fight evil in all its forms.

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In the short gospel passage above, we read an episode where John tells Jesus about someone casting out demons in His name, but not following them. Jesus responds, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.”

This narrative beautifully illustrates the expansive and inclusive nature of God’s work. It reminds us that the power and love of God transcend our limited understanding and the boundaries we often create. Jesus teaches us to focus on the common good and the shared mission rather than getting bogged down by differences in approach or affiliation.

In our daily lives, this lesson holds profound implications. It calls us to embrace unity and collaboration, recognizing that good work done in the name of love and compassion, regardless of the doer, is aligned with God’s purpose.

Consider the workplace, where collaboration often determines success. Suppose a colleague from another department implements a strategy that benefits the entire organization. Instead of feeling threatened or competitive, embrace and support their initiative. By acknowledging and celebrating the collective effort, you contribute to a more cohesive and productive environment.

In community service, this principle is equally important. Imagine different local groups working towards alleviating hunger. Each group might have its own methods and strategies, but the ultimate goal is the same. Supporting each other, sharing resources, and learning from one another can magnify the impact. When we focus on the shared mission of feeding the hungry rather than the differences in our approaches, we honor the essence of Jesus’ teaching.

On a more personal level, consider relationships and friendships. Sometimes, we may disagree with friends or family members on various matters. Instead of letting these differences create division, focus on the shared values and common goals. Celebrate the diversity of thought and perspective, understanding that these differences can enrich our relationships and lead to growth.

In the realm of faith, this passage encourages us to look beyond denominational lines. Different Christian traditions might worship in unique ways, but the core message of love, grace, and redemption remains the same. By recognizing the validity of different expressions of faith, we foster a spirit of unity within the broader Christian community.

The gospel above challenges us to broaden our horizons and embrace a more inclusive perspective. It calls us to recognize and celebrate the good work being done in various ways and by different people, understanding that all efforts aligned with love and compassion contribute to the greater good. Let us strive to support and uplift one another, knowing that in doing so, we fulfill the inclusive and expansive mission of God.