Mark 9:38-40
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Seeking the Good
I believe this interaction between Jesus and his disciples holds profound wisdom for us today, especially in our highly polarized and hostile political and social climate. (And no, I’m not going to suggest that we need to practice more exorcisms on those with whom we disagree!) Instead, this passage makes me wonder: what would happen if we began to focus on the goodness, the good works, and the positive outcomes of those around us… even if we’re not part of the same club or political party? What if, rather than sharing the negative, we searched for the good? What if we joined the good work of others, even if we don’t agree with EVERYTHING about their lifestyle, political position, or platform?
Although I believe that each person does need to search their own heart to discern with whom they should collaborate, I tend to think that if we implemented the wisdom of Jesus here, we just might find we have more in common with others than we previously believed.
—Laura Gilmartin Hancock is finishing her formation in the Seminars in Ignatian Formation with the Midwest Province of Jesuits and ministers as a spiritual care provider with Soulcare MKE LLC.
Prayer
God of wisdom,
Help us to grow in the wisdom of Jesus
and also of Rupertus Meldenius who reminds us,
“In essentials unity,
in non-essentials liberty,
in all things charity.”
Amen.
—Laura Gilmartin Hancock
