Mark 9:38-40

Reflection

John tells Jesus that they saw someone driving out demons in Jesus’ name. The disciples attempted to stop him because he didn’t specifically follow Jesus. Yet Jesus tells John to not prevent the man from doing so, for no one who does a deed in Jesus’ name can speak ill of him at the same time.

Although the man doesn’t formally follow Jesus and his disciples, he recognizes Jesus’ authority and clearly believes in him. We too often encounter people of other Christian denominations that perform great works of Christian mercy, charity, etc. Jesus is still using those people to show his love for humanity.

It is important to recognize the light of Christ that we can find in other Christians. It is comforting to witness faith in the Lord, even if they are not Catholic. Of course, we should pray for all to come to the Catholic Church and become part of the true faith, but in the meantime, all Christians can work towards revealing and spreading Christ’s love to those around us.

Saint of the Day

St. Isabel of France: 1225 – 1270

“This is the first work of the kind that I have spun; I therefore owe it to Jesus Christ, to whom all my first-fruits are due.”    St. Isabel speaking to the king about a cap she wove