Daily Catholic Lectio. Wed, 22 May 2024. He is with us

Daily Catholic Lectio

Wed, 22 May 2024

Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – Wednesday

James 4:13-17. Mark 9:38-40

He is with us

The disciples (gospel reading), who were discussing along the way who was the greatest, now bring to Jesus another problem concerning the ‘we’ vs. ‘they’ (us vs. them) division. They wanted to prevent someone who did not follow them. ‘They are not for us or with us’ – this is their contention. Jesus expands their vision by saying, ‘Whoever is not against us is for us.’

The first problem is the narrow-mindedness of the disciples of Jesus. The disciples presume that Jesus, his name, and his power belong to them.

Jesus admonishes them not to prevent him. According to Jesus, good works can happen anytime and through anyone.

‘He will not speak ill of me’ – a good work will beget another good work.

‘Whoever is not against us is for us’ – anyone who opposes evil is on the side of God. The kingdom of God extends beyond the circle of disciples.

How do we apply this to our lives?

(a) How do we define “us” vs. “them” in our own lives (denominations, beliefs, social circles)? Are we able to move from what differentiates us to what unites us with them?

(b) Jesus calls us to see the bigger picture: the Kingdom of God welcomes those who do good, regardless of labels.

(c) Are we open to recognising God’s work in unexpected places?

In the first reading, James, who speaks about being haughty and proud, exhorts that we must see that the hand of God prevails in everything. We shall live our lives placing the will of God as our top priority: “If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that.”

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A pilgrim of hope moves from differentiation to communion (Jubilee A. D. 2025, bite 104).

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy

# Be M.er.cy.Fool