Wednesday of the Seventh
Week in Ordinary Time - Mark 9:38-40
This Gospel begins with John saying to Jesus, “Teacher, we
saw a person who was driving out demons. We tried to stop him because he
does not follow us.” Are the disciples a bit jealous of this person’s
ability to drive out demons? Do they want to have this kind of
power? Jesus says to John, “Do not prevent him. If someone performs
a good deed in my name, then who can speak ill of me?” Then Jesus adds:
“Whoever is not against us is for us.”
Today Jesus is giving us an important instruction. He
is telling us that anyone who is not against us is for us. Typically most human beings know which
individuals support them. However, we also know which people may struggle
with us, dislike us, or ignore us. We may allow these individuals to
disrupt our internal peace and harmony. As human beings, many of us may care too much
about what others think of us. Jesus, however, wants his disciples to be
truly free. He does not want them to be jealous of others or to covet
another’s abilities and gifts.
Jesus clearly wants his disciples to appreciate their own
gifts and gifts of others as well. Life is not a competition, yet many of
us live as if it were. Today if you find yourself being critical of
another person’s actions, words, and being, STOP! Take a moment,
breathe, and then change your reactive thoughts and your judgment.
You may find that you feel more peaceful, relaxed, and calm.
Judgment poisons our minds and our hearts. Release your judgment and
relax and be at peace!
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