Readings: Sirach 4:11-19, Ps. 119:165 168, 171, 172, 174, 175, Mark 9:38-40
Whoever loves her loves life, and those who seek her early will be filled with joy.” (Sirach 4:12)
- What would you take if asked to choose between a million dollars and a few wise words? Give a million dollars to a fool; they will be poor in one year. Give one dollar to a wise person, and they could earn a million dollars in one year. Wisdom is life. The book of Sirach says: “Whoever holds her fast will obtain glory… He who obeys her will judge the nations, and whoever gives heed to her will dwell securely.”
- Wisdom goes beyond gathering academic degrees, certificates or skills. Wisdom is not being deceptive; telling lies is foolishness. The wisdom that brings life is putting God first and living according to His commandments. Today’s Responsorial Psalm says: “The lovers of your law have great peace.”
- In today’s Gospel passage, John tells Jesus they saw a man who was not one of the twelve casting out demons in His name. Someone was operating an “illegal miracle centre.” This man had not received the necessary training, and unlike the twelve, Jesus did not empower this man with authority over demons (cf. Mark 6:7). Painfully, a man had brought his sick son to the disciples, but they could not heal the boy.
- John thought that the wisest thing to do was to shut down this illegal healing ministry. The disciples were shocked to hear Jesus say: “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:39-40)
- What does this teach us? 1) The name of Jesus is the most powerful name on earth. This name is more powerful than the person using it. St. Paul says: “God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:9-10)
- 2) The name of Jesus works for whoever uses it with faith. When Jesus came down from the mountain and found the commotion arising from the disciples’ inability to cure the body, Jesus said: “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you?” (Mark 9:19). If you don’t believe, you cannot receive. The book of Hebrews says: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6).
- 3) This incident happened to humble the disciples. As St. Paul says: “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Jesus wanted them to see that those not following Him can use His name. Avoid pride.
- 4) The church is a big family. When Jesus said, “Whoever is not against us is for us”, his disciples did not understand. However, during His Priestly Prayer in John 10, Jesus revealed: “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So, there will be one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16). Before you go about condemning other churches (fighting unnecessary fights), remember that Jesus has other sheep that you are not aware of. Stop doing what John did. The fact that a person is not your church member does not make him your enemy.
- 5) Watch out for overfamiliarity. You may be looking at Jesus because you are a Christian. Meanwhile, non-Christians fear Jesus. The Jews called Jesus a blasphemer, but demons trembled at his presence. Wisdom is life.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase your wisdom in us as we study your word daily. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday Week 7 In Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Sirach 4:11-19, Ps. 119:165 168, 171, 172, 174, 175, Mark 9:38-40).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu