THE WORD
Jas 4,13-17 / Mk 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. Anyone 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.”
IN OTHER WORDS
I always wanted to become a good preacher. I was influenced by a video I watched on the Internet. The video presented a well-known Cebuano Catholic Faith Defender publicly debating with a protestant. I was really amazed how this guy lambasted the ideas opposing our Catholic Faith. He was well-versed with the scriptures; he could easily site substantial verses to refute the other’s wrong conception of our belief and practice as Catholics and supported his arguments with convincing explanations. Most of his public debates with the other denominations and sects won the hearts and applause of the crowd leaving the opposing debater at a loss for words.
In our Gospel today, Jesus illustrates a very touching and an eye-opening example for all of us.
For whoever is not against us is for us…these very words of Jesus show His great love for all. At times, this is called the Divine Tolerance. Jesus’ love for all of us is not exclusive to a particular group of people. It is an inclusive love; it knows no restrictions. Jesus’ love is not exclusive to a particular Church. God’s grace comes and flows inside and even outside our Church, respecting “plurality of religions.”A Catholic Bishop once said: “Why focus on our differences? Instead, let us focus on our similarities.”
I recall the video that I watched. I realize, there’s no need to argue on who is really worthy or which Church is the true church. Let us then be like Jesus whose love exceeds the limits we fence it in. Let us get rid of our prejudices and biases towards other’s beliefs. GOD’S LOVE IS NOT EXCLUSIVE; IT IS AN INCLUSIVE LOVE.
- Sem. Karl T. Cabanalan | CKMS, Quezon City
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
