"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
"Do not prevent him.
"For whoever is not against us is for us."
In FACE ZBS (PAPA Bible study) the New Testament comes to life as we mingle with the characters, are part of the moving scenes when Jesus performs His divine works and see His interactions and enduring love for His children.
In today's Gospel, John, the one whom Jesus loved, comes running to Him, complaining that someone was driving out demons in His name but since he did not follow "us", John tried to prevent him.
I can sense the protective love Jesus has for John, as he stumbles and struggles with intolerance and authority. Jesus, Himself, is the only source of authority and power, not us, not the apostles. God bestows the Spirit on whomever He wants, wherever they may be. There are instances in Acts when others tried to drive out demons in the name of Jesus and were unsuccessful. Perhaps they did not have authentic faith as the exorcist in this Gospel and were charlatans.
We can collaborate with Christians of different religions, never ignoring real doctrinal differences. Do not prevent others from proclaiming Jesus Christ. We all need to call people to holiness.
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