REFLECTIONS TODAY
Demons and witchcraft were integral aspects of the ancient world. Evil spells caused illness, ill fortune, and other harms to people. To counter threats, people would use protective amulets, incantations, and exorcism. Israel knew of exorcists. Jesus himself drives out demons with a command, and he shares this exousia (authority) with the Apostles whom he sends in towns and villages in Israel ahead of him. The Twelve happily report to Jesus on their return, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name” (Lk 10:17).
Previous to this, John has complained to Jesus that someone was driving out demons in Jesus’ name, and that they tried to prevent him because he did not follow them, that is, he was not part of their group. Instead of commending John for guarding his name, Jesus mildly reprimands him that as long as the person does not say and act against him, he belongs to them. He has faith and confidence in Jesus and so can use his name over demons.
On the other hand, itinerant Jewish exorcists — the seven sons of Sceva—would use the name of Jesus as if it were a magic formula. Instead of driving the demon, the possessed overpowers them so they run away naked and wounded. Hence, the name of the Lord Jesus was held in great esteem (Acts 19:13-17). Nobody can “monopolize” God and his grace. While we believe that in the Catholic Church we have the means to approach God through Jesus Christ, God opens other ways for those outside of the Church who seek him in their hearts.
First Reading • Jas 4:13-17
Beloved: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town, spend a year there doing business, and make a profit”—you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears.
Instead you should say, “If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that.” But now you are boasting in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is a sin.
Gospel • Mark 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.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.