Mark 9:38-40
To understand the context of our gospel reading we
need to remember that earlier in this chapter the disciples had failed to be
able to perform an exorcism. It occurred immediately after the Transfiguration,
and our Lord told the disciples this kind can only be cast out with prayer and
fasting.
Now at the end of the chapter St John brings to Jesus
the case of a successful exorcism performed in Jesus’ name by someone outside
the company. John finds this situation unacceptable.
You might remember in the book of Numbers, Joshua was
similarly disturbed by some men who were prophesying outside the camp. Moses
rebuked Joshua. Similarly Jesus rebukes John. Jesus corrects John’s jealousy,
telling him he is not to prevent the exorcism.
The general principle is that whoever is not against
you is for you. God works in ways beyond the limits of one’s own group. This lesson
will be grasped later when the disciples face, in the book of Acts, the
Holy Spirit descending even upon the Gentiles. Again no one was to prevent them
being baptised.
Our Lord encourages communion not competition. Whoever
is not against you is for you. This spirit of communion must apply to us all.
This includes the way in which the tradition institutions in the church (parish,
diocese and religious orders) relate to new organisations and movements in the
church. The Holy Spirit raises up new movements and they should not be
prevented.
