REFLECTIONS TODAY

The Catholic Church is a bureaucracy populated by leaders who may be goodhearted but are less-than perfect souls. Pope Francis, in his intention to reform the Roman Curia, has warned its leaders of the diseases of leadership that might make them insular, imperious, and bureaucratic. 

One of these is what he calls “the disease of closed circles” where belonging to a clique becomes more powerful than the faithful’s shared identity. This disease always begins with good intentions, but with the passing of time it enslaves its members and becomes a cancer which threatens the harmony of the organization and causes immense evil, especially to those we treat as outsiders. 

This disease is at the root of the disciples’ move in preventing someone outside of their group from driving out demons using the name of Jesus. They think they have the exclusive right over the powerful name. Exclusivity can turn a community of believers into a “cult,” whereas inclusivity and openness to all reveals a kingdom where there are “many dwelling places” (Jn 14:2). 

The Church should gladly welcome diversity in its various forms: multiculturality and internationality.

First Reading • Sir 4:11-19 

Wisdom breathes life into her children and admonishes those who seek her. He who loves her loves life; those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord. He who holds her fast inherits glory; wherever he dwells, the bestows blessings. 

Those who serve her serve the Holy One; those who love her the Lord loves. He who obeys her judges nations; he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers. If one trusts her, he will possess her; his descendants too will inherit her. 

She walks with him as a stranger and at first she puts him to the test; fear and dread she brings upon him and tries him with her discipline until she try him by her laws and trust his soul. Then she comes back to bring him happiness and reveal her secrets to them and she will heap upon him treasures of knowledge and an understanding of justice. But if he fails her, she will abandon him and deliver him into the hands of despoilers. 

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. 40For whoever is not against us is for us.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.