Reading
39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us.
Meditation
Engaged in the discussion of who is the greatest (Mk 9:33-37), the disciples, who shortly before showed themselves unable to exorcise the demon-possessed epileptic (Mk 9: 14-29), put to Jesus through the mouth of John a question that manifests an exclusionary attitude towards a man who effectively casts out demons in the name of Jesus, even though he is not "of theirs" (v. 38).
The episode reported by Mark is probably also an echo of the questions that the first Christians ask themselves in similar circumstances, in relation to the recognition of the true identity of God's envoys.
Jesus exhorts the disciples not to hinder those who work in his name. If a tree is recognized by its fruits (Mt 7:16-20), the true disciple welcomes love wherever it blooms. Particular churches are called to overcome sectarian attitudes, rather cultivating a sense of communion among those who work in the name of Jesus.
The one church of Christ goes beyond the visible boundaries established by mutual excommunications. The apostle Paul will be able to grasp this mystery: "The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." (Phil 1:18).
The answer given by Jesus to John is completed with the specular affirmation reported by the Gospel of Matthew: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Mt 12:30). There is no room for positions of neutrality towards Jesus.
Only let us not delude ourselves that we can force the infinite greatness and freedom of the Spirit of Christ into the narrow streams of an elitist religiosity.
Prayer
Give your church, o Lord, the spirit of unity and harmony; so that we may be gathered in your name and bear fruits of salvation. Amen.
- Rev. Dr. Luca Vona
