Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 26, 2025

Date: Wednesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for today recounts Jesus’ famous truth – “Whoever is not against us is for us.” It reminds us to avoid constructing artificial barriers because of jealousy or intolerance. Good is good regardless of its carrier.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I prone to intolerance of others different than me in ideology or practice? Am I inclusive of others?

Praying:

LORD, You and You alone are the source of all being. Each of us looks to You as our creator, Love itself embodied and creative. You wove within each of us your image and likeness making us “kin” – sisters and brothers – children of the one LORD. May your Spirit infuse us with loving tolerance for one another regardless of our diversity of thought. Open our minds and hearts to your power and presence at work in others. Grant that we may work to bring peace to our world as your children, that we might seek your will for our world and together work to bring it into reality. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.