Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 22, 2024

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 the apostle John’s conversation with Jesus concerning a non-disciple who cast out demons in Jesus’ name. John also shares that he and others tried to stop the one doing good because he wasn’t one of them. But Jesus corrects John, telling him that one doing a “mighty deed in my name” is a follower, even if John and the others didn’t realize it.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I judge others based on their relationship with me rather than on the goodness I see them do?

Praying:

LORD, I come to You this day seeking the gifts of the Spirit that will open my mind and heart to You more fully, especially in the form of the goodness of others through your power and presence. I can be judgmental of others. Wipe away that tendency, LORD. Grant that I may see more clearly the good You have bestowed in others. Amen.