Daily Reflection – 5/22/2024
Sacred Scripture
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.”( Mark 9:38-40)
Reflection
Most of us know which individuals support them. But we also know which people struggle with us, dislike us, or ignore us. Often, we allow these individuals to disrupt our internal peace and harmony.
As human beings, many of us may care too much about what others think of us. Jesus, however, wants his disciples to be truly free. He does not want them to be jealous of others or to covet another’s abilities and gifts.
The apostles did not necessarily have a problem with someone driving out demons in Jesus’ name. They have a problem because the man wasn’t one of them. Could this be similar to the problem the Pharisees had with Jesus? Jesus did good things, like healings and exorcisms, but since He didn’t have the same understanding of the Law (or the status of the Pharisees?) that they did, the Pharisees rejected Him.
Hmm, interesting because there are far too many who think and act just like that. Envy and jealousy, its counterpart, are sinful because they impinge on what should make us rejoice—namely, our neighbor’s well-being. Envy forms when we believe that the other person’s advantage or possession somehow minimizes or disgraces us. Envy is contrary to love.
God created us in love for love. We are most free and happy when we love as He loves. The love and charitable help we show to our neighbor also expresses the gratitude we have for the abundant mercy and kindness of God towards us. Jesus declared that any kindness shown, and any help given to those in need would not lose its reward. Jesus never refused to give to anyone in need who asked for His help. As His disciples, we are called to be kind and generous as He is.
How can we overcome envy? With the love that God has put into our hearts through the gift of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). The Holy Spirit purifies our heart and frees us from our disordered passions, such as envy, jealousy, greed, and bitterness.
God’s love is a generous and selfless love that is wholly oriented towards our good. The love that God places in our hearts seeks the highest good of our neighbor. God’s love purifies and frees us from all envy and jealousy—and it compels us to give generously, especially to those who lack what they need. Envy and jealousy have no place in the heart that loves as God loves. By embracing love and letting go of envy, we free ourselves to rejoice in the good of others and live in harmony with our neighbors.
Prayer of The Day
“ Loving God, we pray often for the coming of your Kingdom. Help us to encourage and celebrate all people who work to make that Kingdom manifest in our world. Amen.”
Daily Note
In the end what is important is that all of us, seek the face of the living God and make his message known throughout the world through prayer and action. We can be most effective when we embrace all those who seek the same goal, regardless of their differences from us.
