Nm 11:25-29; Ps 18 (19); Jm 5:1-6; Mk 9:38-43.45.47-48

«Are you jealous for me?» Moses asked Joshua (Nm 11.29). Most of the time, however, feelings of jealousy are born to defend their own advantages and rights, not those of others. In this regard, the tale of Mark, who places these words on the lips of John is worth our consideration: «Master, we saw one who cast out demons in your name and wanted to prevent it, because it did not follow us» (Mk 9.38). The problem, for John, is not that this one does not follow Jesus, but does not follow “us”. Instead of remaining with the others behind Jesus, the disciples put themselves at the same level: these people must follow us as they follow you, Jesus. In his response Jesus returns to focus on himself: “No one performs a miracle in my name and immediately speaks ill of me… whoever gives you a glass of water in my name because you belong to Christ… ‘ (vv. 39.41). What matters is not to follow the disciples, but to act in the name of Jesus, and be his! It’s a good teaching for our being church today: we are not the end, but only an instrument to lead to Jesus, so that men and women may be his own, not ours; Act, not in our group, but in his name!

Commentary by Comunità di Dumenza

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves, Prinknash Abbey