Temptations to Sin
Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
38John
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.” 39Jesus
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. 41Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.
42“Whoever
causes one of these little ones who believe [in me] to sin, it would be
better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he
were thrown into the sea. 43If your hand causes you to sin,
cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two
hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. 45And
if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to
enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. 47And
if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter
into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown
into Gehenna, 48where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ ”
Reflection:
Someone driving out demons in your name.
Though not a disciple of Jesus, an exorcist uses the name of Jesus to
drive out demons. In a sense, he is a believer—he accepts the power of
Jesus and relies on the name of Jesus to do good.
The
name of Jesus is the focus of the Gospel. John complains to the Lord
about someone outside their circle who drives out demons invoking Jesus’
name. Jesus replies that anyone who does good things in his name and
for him should not be prevented.
The
Jews tend to blame evil spirits for people’s afflictions, whether
physical, mental, or spiritual. Only a more powerful spirit can exorcise
these demons. Jesus is known for his power to drive out evil spirits.
His disciples and even some people outside their circle invoke his name
to cure the afflicted and expel demons. Jesus allows this. His name, and
the authority it brings, is not for one to monopolize, not even by the
beloved disciple and others close to Jesus’ heart. Everyone is free to
invoke it, as long as one employs it for goodness and love—the basic
elements of the kingdom of God that Jesus inaugurates.
As
Christians, we are not just members of a religious organization. We are
called to be Jesus’ disciples. And being for Jesus and with Jesus, we
are called to do good for others—in Jesus’ name.
Let us invoke always the name of Jesus
—in trial and difficulty, in danger and doubt,
in sickness and pain.
Let us believe in the power of his name.
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