Reflection: The 26th Sunday, Year B of the Church's liturgical calendar 2024.

 

Hello, dear reader! 

I'm glad to have you here on the 26th Sunday of Year B in the Church’s liturgical calendar. 

Once again, the evangelist Mark presents us with a reflection on the behavior of disciples. John, one of the twelve apostles, shares with Jesus that he has seen someone casting out demons in His name. Confident that Jesus wouldn’t approve of what these outsiders were doing, John attempted to stop them, particularly because they weren’t part of their circle of followers. It’s clear that John believed he was in the right, and we can even sense that he anticipated some recognition for his actions.

Have you ever experienced the frustration of being stopped from pursuing something? You come up with great ideas, share your thoughts, and put your heart into them, yet the doubts overshadow the trust. This often leads to feelings of sadness, anger, or disappointment. 

So, what happened? John was among the first to leave his old life behind in response to Jesus' call, dedicating himself fully to following Him. They traveled through the countryside as Jesus preached, healed, and inspired an ever-growing number of people with His message about the kingdom of God—a reality that can be embraced on earth by those who open their hearts to His words and choose to live in God's love. Their community flourished, marked by a deep connection with one another and a commitment to listening to Jesus and witnessing His miraculous acts. It was a fulfilling life, well-structured, and infused with the sense of being part of a significant mission.

They were journeying with a sense of satisfaction, safety, and a touch of self-righteousness when they encountered strangers who, surprisingly, dared to liberate those possessed by demons by invoking Jesus and his teachings. None of the disciples would have attempted such a thing on their own. Even if these strangers were successful, they couldn't be allowed to act without consequence. Anyone could approach... Who knows if they had even been baptized or who had informed them about Jesus? They likely only grasped bits and pieces of his message. Their audacious actions needed to be stopped, regardless. The phrases “Whoever is not against us is for us” and “Do not hinder him!” (Mark 9:40 and 39) would not sit well with extremists and fundamentalists, nor with those who constantly seek to judge and dominate others. They build barriers and declare:

Salvation is among us! This truth resonates not only within the church but also in the realms of business and politics. 

Today's gospel encourages us to embrace inclusivity: ‘Do not discriminate.’ It teaches us that “Whoever is not against us is for us” and reminds us, “Do not stop him!” The message continues, stating that “No one who performs miracles in my name can easily speak ill of me,” accompanied by the powerful image: “Whoever offers you even a cup of water to drink because he belongs to Christ will not lose his reward” (Mark 9:39-41). Clearly, our Gospel conveys a message of profound freedom. In essence, we are called to drive out demons. Jesus lends his name to this mission, without excessive questioning, without imposing conditions, and without claiming exclusive rights. Demons must be driven out!

Committing to goodness requires effort. Yet, it is this very effort that Jesus emphasizes. Anyone aspiring to be a true and vibrant disciple of Jesus must be ready to put in the work and engage in a personal struggle.

Being a Christian can be seen from two perspectives, as reflected in today's Gospel. On one hand, there's the joyful and effortless goodness that requires minimal effort. Even a single act of kindness holds great value, spreading joy and uplifting others. It fosters connections, provides comfort, and instills confidence. On the other hand, genuine goodness, even when it demands more from us, transforms our efforts into something light and fulfilling. The joy we experience from the beauty and success of our actions makes the hard work feel worthwhile and radiant.

I hope you have a wonderful Sunday! I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

Fr. Mazi Uc