Mc 9, 38-48
It is an unusual scene. The disciples come to Jesus with an unusual question. This time, however, it is not Peter, but John, the one to speak out. This was one of the two brothers who had been asking for the first places in heaven! Now, apparently, he wants the apostles to own the exclusive privilege or rights to work miracles.
They seem worried. Someone, who is not one of them, has been seen casting out demons in the name of Jesus. The disciples, obviously, are not too happy to see people being cured and recovered their health. They are simply worried about their own exclusive privilege as disciples of Jesus. They just want such practices to be stopped: «Because he is not one of us.»
The disciples take for granted that, in order to act in the name of Jesus and have the healing power, one has to be a member of their group. No one can use the name of Jesus and help other human beings without becoming members of the Church.
Is that true? What does Jesus say about this?
Jesus’ immediate response was absolutely clear: «You must not stop him.» The name of Jesus and his healing and humanizing power are more important than His small group of disciples. The salvation that Jesus was to bring about is greater than any established church and must be used to help everyone to live better lives. No one should consider such privilege as an exclusive right.
Jesus does away with any kind of sectarianism among his disciples. The apostles were not chosen to control the Messianic salvation. Christ is not the Rabbi of an independent school but the Prophet for the salvation of everyone. His Church must uphold His name anytime it is invoked to do good.
Jesus does not want his followers speak about ours and those who are not ours; those inside and outside, those who can act in His name and those who cannot. Jesus sees things differently: «Anyone who is not against us is for us.»
In our modern societies, there are many men and women who work for a beter and more just world without being members of any Church. Some of these people, in fact, are not even believers; yet, they show ways to the kingdom of God and His justice. They can be considered to be ours. We should be happy because of them, rather than feel resentful for their competition. We must encourage them and never doubt about their intentions.
It is certainly wrong living in a Church and seeing only hostilities and evil around us, if we consider that we alone are carriers of the Spirit and message of Jesus. He would never support such attitude. Rather, Jesus would encourage us to welcome everyone who adopts the evangelical lifestyle and works with the poor and the needy.
José Antonio Pagola. Translator: José Antonio Arroyo