John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.”
Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. 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. (Mark 9:38-40 NABRE)
Jesus warns the disciples against jealousy and intolerance toward others, such as exorcists who do not follow them. The saying in today's passage is a broad principle of the divine tolerance. Even the smallest courtesies shown to those who teach in Jesus’ name do not go unrewarded.* What a powerful message for us during this Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Today, I will remember that no one who speaks or acts in Jesus' name can also be against the Lord.
Saint John I, who suffered because of a power-conscious emperor, pray for us.
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