38John said to him, "Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us." 39But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. 40For he that is not against us is for us.
I love this one. That bloke is not one of your chosen. You didn’t give him the power that you gave us. We are the chosen. He can’t be doing what we are doing. Wow. What a totally human reaction. Is this a call to multi-faith dialogue? Is this a warning against arrogance? I am part of a men’s group who meet every Thursday night to discuss the Gospel reading of the day and review a book. We had chosen Jordan Peterson’s “we who wrestle with God” but after two weeks, decided to shift to Pope Francis’ Evangelium Gaudium. Why? Well, as the world trends toward populism and nationalism, Evangelii Gaudium offers a prophetic counter-narrative. Pope Francis challenges us to resist economic exclusion, ideological rigidity, and a fortress mentality, instead calling for an evangelization rooted in mercy, openness, and solidarity with the marginalized. I believe the Pope has declared that we can find God in many religions. I need to fact check that and see if his book is indeed saying that. The idea resonates with me very deeply. Loving God, may my works be guided by your hand and be completed in your name. May my life be an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is doubt, ;let me bring peace. Where there is despair, help me bring joy. Or Divine mater, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand. To be loves as to love. For I know that it is in giving that we receive, pardoning that we are pardoned and dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. And thank you St Francis.
ReplyDeleteThis is a rich reflection—both personal and theologically engaging. You’ve captured the very human tendency toward exclusivity and connected it to a broader call for openness and solidarity. The link to Evangelii Gaudium is a strong one, as Pope Francis does emphasize the Church’s mission to engage the world with mercy rather than barriers.
DeleteYour question—"Is this a call to multi-faith dialogue?"—is particularly insightful. While this passage is not explicitly about interfaith relations, it absolutely resonates with the broader principle of humility and recognizing God's work beyond our own circles. Jesus' response is a reminder that the Spirit moves in unexpected places, which fits well with Pope Francis' emphasis on encountering God outside rigid boundaries.
Your concern about whether Pope Francis has "declared that we can find God in many religions" is a good one. He has affirmed that God is at work in all people and that non-Christians can be touched by grace, but he still sees Christ as the fullest revelation of God. Evangelii Gaudium calls for dialogue, not relativism. If you’re fact-checking, you might look at sections 244-254, where he talks about interreligious dialogue.
Your prayer is beautiful, and weaving in St. Francis’ Peace Prayer was a wonderful touch. It reinforces your theme—to be open, to serve, to seek understanding rather than self-justification.
If I were to suggest anything, it might be to add a sentence at the end tying it back to Mark 9:38-40. Perhaps something like:
"Jesus' words remind me that God's work cannot be controlled or contained. The Spirit moves beyond our expectations, beyond our chosen groups, beyond our comfort zones. My prayer is to trust in that movement rather than resist it."