September 26, 2024, Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092924.cfm
Honey Attracts More than Sugar.
The few verses in today’s gospel give us a little insight into the minds and hearts of the disciples. You can hear the smugness, a hint of arrogance in that statement, “We saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we try to prevent him because he does not follow us.”
It would seem that if anyone had a right to have a clique or to have it over others, it would be the disciples of Jesus. That’s pretty much how they saw themselves.
After all, they traveled with him, lived with him, and heard every word he spoke, but they did not have his heart – yet. So Jesus, in his simple way, explained to them that following him isn’t like belonging to a club. In Christ Jesus, there is no them and us, only us.
St. Francis found God’s presence in all creation, each in its own beautiful way. He was so free from all worldly attachments that he saw God’s goodness in everyone and everything. So, we can find God’s presence in people who are different from us and who respond to the faith that God has given them. Remember, we are not the giver of faith.
We must honor that gift from God in them. An arrogant heart drives people away – “I’m better than you.” A humble heart seeks to understand another. Let us not restrict God or his Divine Presence from working in another person or group different from us.
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.
Seek what is good and honorable in people different from us, even of a different faith.
Gospel Challenge!
In 2003, Pope John Paul II spoke on Christian unity: “May we come to see what is positive in others, to welcome it and prize it as a gift from God.” Let us ask the Lord to sweeten our hearts with the all-encompassing love that he will find in our hearts enough room to embrace all who are different from us in any way.
Honey attracts more than vinegar – every time.
Lover One Another
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
