WEDNESDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, MEMORIAL ST POLYCARP, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Mk 9:38-40

John said to Jesus, “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.”

REFLECTION

"For whoever is not against us is for us.”

I have thirty cousins. Eight were raised Baptist. And of the eight one converted to the Catholic faith. When the Catholic cousin was dying of Covid, the siblings reached out for a priest so that she could receive Jesus and the final rites.

To see the eight pray and live out their faith in the Name of Jesus and the glory of God is impressive.

Today, St James is all caught up with the fact that there are some who are not in their group but are preaching and driving out demons in the Name of Jesus.

The Name of Jesus is the best and most powerful prayer there is. There is no exclusivity in ringing out His Name to all we meet.

We hamper our best efforts when we make it our efforts and not God’s will, or impose rules and regulations in doing the work of God.

May we appreciate all who are different in how they live their vocation forming the church.

Less we become intolerant, exclusive, or resentful, remember the words of Jesus:

”Whoever is not against us is for us.”

God bless you

The lives of the saints always bring us closer to Jesus as we see the graces received, their obedience, and their closeness to God. Please read about the Saint of today, St Polycarp.