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Gospel of 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.”
I was thinking about how much I really love Our Lord. Even at times when I feel sad, tempted, and alone I still love him with all of my heart. Yes, I do feel spiritual dryness, especially when things are rough, but the tremendous love never goes away. God isn't a superficial being. He isn't a deity that I can ignore and push away whenever I feel like it. He's always present with me through the good and bad times.
About God or with God I've been reading some interesting stories on the life of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers. Everything he did was "about God or with God." In fact, Dominic was so disciplined when it came to chastity, poverty, and obedience that he often ate very little and would spend long vigils in prayer. He barely slept. He walked from place to place often on bare feet. He would perform penance on himself with the use of a chain. His life was totally and completely absorbed with Christ. He battled against heresy, preaching the Truth of God with great vigor. In modern day, Dominic's behavior would be described as unusual, even crazy. Yet, he inspired so many men and women to join the Dominican Order. His humility, his love for preaching, and his love for Christ radiated in everything he did during his lifetime. His Spirit still resides in the Order to this day. I find Saint Dominic's story fascinating as well as the stories of other Dominican Saints.
Do not prevent In today's gospel reading, the disciples see someone else driving out demons in the name of Jesus who isn't a disciple. They are concerned that this "imposter" shouldn't be doing this. Jesus makes it clear not to prevent this man from his actions: There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.
We should never prevent the Christian message from being proclaimed accurately and enthusiastically. It doesn't matter what denomination a Christian is affiliated with (Protestant or Catholic). The good news needs to be preached to the masses. What's great about social media is the Christian message is easily available. Anybody who wants to learn more about Jesus Christ can look up scripture passages, read blogs like this one, or watch videos. Of course, Christians regularly encounter atheists who want to spread their vile hate and ignorance all over the Internet. We understand the Lord's message will be subject to slander. However, the positive Christian message outweighs the atheist's negative rhetoric. The Gospel Truth will prevail regardless of attempts to eradicate it!
As our society becomes more secularized and less religious, people will naturally begin to hunger for spirituality. They will realize that materialism and commercialism doesn't quite quench their thirst. People will sense something missing. Belief in God brings about an interior peace that's indescribable. Even better, knowing that God loves us unconditionally makes life worth living. Life is one momentous step to heaven, the final destination for our souls! Let us not turn away from God but invite him into our hearts.
"About God or with God" - Let's always remember these words!
Saint Dominic, Pray for Us!
-J.
I was thinking about how much I really love Our Lord. Even at times when I feel sad, tempted, and alone I still love him with all of my heart. Yes, I do feel spiritual dryness, especially when things are rough, but the tremendous love never goes away. God isn't a superficial being. He isn't a deity that I can ignore and push away whenever I feel like it. He's always present with me through the good and bad times.
About God or with God I've been reading some interesting stories on the life of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers. Everything he did was "about God or with God." In fact, Dominic was so disciplined when it came to chastity, poverty, and obedience that he often ate very little and would spend long vigils in prayer. He barely slept. He walked from place to place often on bare feet. He would perform penance on himself with the use of a chain. His life was totally and completely absorbed with Christ. He battled against heresy, preaching the Truth of God with great vigor. In modern day, Dominic's behavior would be described as unusual, even crazy. Yet, he inspired so many men and women to join the Dominican Order. His humility, his love for preaching, and his love for Christ radiated in everything he did during his lifetime. His Spirit still resides in the Order to this day. I find Saint Dominic's story fascinating as well as the stories of other Dominican Saints.
Do not prevent In today's gospel reading, the disciples see someone else driving out demons in the name of Jesus who isn't a disciple. They are concerned that this "imposter" shouldn't be doing this. Jesus makes it clear not to prevent this man from his actions: There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.
We should never prevent the Christian message from being proclaimed accurately and enthusiastically. It doesn't matter what denomination a Christian is affiliated with (Protestant or Catholic). The good news needs to be preached to the masses. What's great about social media is the Christian message is easily available. Anybody who wants to learn more about Jesus Christ can look up scripture passages, read blogs like this one, or watch videos. Of course, Christians regularly encounter atheists who want to spread their vile hate and ignorance all over the Internet. We understand the Lord's message will be subject to slander. However, the positive Christian message outweighs the atheist's negative rhetoric. The Gospel Truth will prevail regardless of attempts to eradicate it!
As our society becomes more secularized and less religious, people will naturally begin to hunger for spirituality. They will realize that materialism and commercialism doesn't quite quench their thirst. People will sense something missing. Belief in God brings about an interior peace that's indescribable. Even better, knowing that God loves us unconditionally makes life worth living. Life is one momentous step to heaven, the final destination for our souls! Let us not turn away from God but invite him into our hearts.
"About God or with God" - Let's always remember these words!
Saint Dominic, Pray for Us!
-J.
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