The Word of God
John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us."
Mark 9:38-40
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Membership of a particular group is not the test. This is a principle we need to take seriously to heart. There can be a strong temptation among us to a kind of exclusivity. Many Christian groups can fall into this trap. As St Paul tells us in one of his letters, the word of God is not bound. God can do his work through all kinds of people – people of all religions and of none.
- The test is whether what others do fits in with our goals of truth, love, justice, compassion, freedom, peace, non-violence etc. Our God is to be found in all these things. The Church is a way to a further goal; it is not itself the end.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Jesus does not jealously protect his power. Rather, he empowers others, of whatever religion or none, and whether they know it or not. He even says that his followers will do greater things than he has done (John 14:12).
- I am his follower, so he shares his power even with me, and I need it! The gospel command to love my enemies is literally heart-breaking, and the task of tackling injustice is daunting. But I am empowered by him to do these things, beyond what I could ever have imagined. The salvation of the world is a collaborative event in which I have a unique role not given to anyone else.
- Lord, thank you for making me part of your work-force!
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- A major theme throughout the Gospels is how God works so often through outcasts - the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) and for outcasts - the cure of the daughter of the Canaanite worman (Matthew 15:21-28). God’s power is not limited to ‘church’ or institution. He did not call just believers. He wants all to come to him!
- Prayer brings us in touch with all in the human race, a sort of mystical communion with all God's children. Different people follow Christ and relate to God in different ways. Jesus looks at what a person is committed to, and sees discipleship in many ways. Maybe some of our prayer time might be to pray for all who are committed to goodness, faith and justice in the world, no matter in what way they show this.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Once having known Jesus, there should be no halfway house. We can embrace him or resist him. We cannot say “yes” and “no” at the same time. As St Paul says, “in him it is always ‘Yes’. For all the promises of God find their ‘Yes’ in him.”
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Jesus seems to say to the apostles, 'It's not about you!' He points them to the good that is being done. Help me, Lord, not to think that those who agree with me are more favoured in your sight.
- Gathering and belonging are important human needs but Jesus shows us how we can lead ourselves astray. The reign of God is advanced wherever good is done, where truth is spoken, when love wins out. Lord, help me not to be narrow-minded or judgemental but to give thanks to you for all that is good.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Our perspectives can be quite narrow. Our need for affirmation and security can make us try to control situations which we don’t understand well.
- ‘Whoever is not against us is for us’ has been sadly misused by political leaders down the years to justify excluding those they don’t like. Do I tend to think in an ‘us’ and ‘them’ perspective? Jesus asks rather to be open to those who seem to be different from us. He sees everyone as ‘different’ – unique, special, worthy of inclusion.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- /The one that is not against us is for us/. You told us this, Lord, but we did not learn it. We have looked with suspicion on many who were working for people's good, because they belonged to a party, or a community, or a tribe that is different from ours. I will try to know them by their fruits, not by their labels. I will seek to focus on common ground, not on barriers.
- The disciples thought of distinction and difference; Jesus did not tolerate their narrow vision. I pray that I may recognise good in a generous and appreciative way.
- Jesus sees all who act in his name as having much in common. I join in prayer with all who invoke Jesus’ name today.