September 29 2024 at Saint Peter the Apostle Church in Naples, FL
Numbers 11: 25-29 + Psalm 19 + James 5: 1-6 + Mark 9: 38-42, 45, 47-48
It’s easy to let our attention be drawn to John or Jesus in this scene. I suspect that many are preaching about them today speaking about a host of issues that may arise from this incident. Hospitality could be one of the issues since there seems to be a refusal on the part of the disciples to welcome this outsider. The issue of who is “in” and who is “out” would make a great sermon too. Cups of water given could be another theme. At the same time, digging into what this says to the early church for which Mark is writing may reveal a great deal about their challenge.
As you might have guessed by now, I’m not going there. After more than 50 years of praying and listening to this Gospel, I have worn out those themes. Weeks ago, as I began to study and listen once again, I began to think about the third person in this episode. He’s the one with no name. I’ve decided that I like this guy, and I like the way he works.
You may have noticed that there is no suggestion that his work casting out demons is a failure. John did not say that this man was “trying to cast out demons.” He was doing it successfully. So, I wonder what’s the problem here? Then I remember that just a few verses earlier, the disciples came to Jesus disappointed and frustrated because they had met failure in casting out a demon. It almost seems that they are a bit jealous of another’s success or that they are frustrated because someone can do what they cannot.
For me, this whole scene is a reminder that the work of Jesus Christ, the work of the church, the work of healing, forgiving, feeding, and caring for people troubled by all sorts of demons and evil is not just for the official, approved, or designated persons. It is not reserved for those with time to spare or those trained in some special way.
There is no doubt that things done through all kinds of Church programs are beneficial. However, at the same time, we can often get so focused on the program that those who do not have the time for training, meetings or reports get ignored and discouraged. They may well have other responsibilities that go with raising a family, caring for a loved one, while working to put food on the table. When they are done with that, they are tired and do not have the energy for “Church Work.” Sometimes they may even feel as though they are not good disciples.
I would suggest that this Gospel might give us cause to re-think all of this and recognize what Jesus sees. The work and ministry of Jesus Christ and his Church can and even must continue within and without the official program or approval of the Church. I think of men and women working doing double shifts in hospitals. I think of daycare workers who wear themselves out caring for little children for more hours than the parents do. I think of our first responders who are there when we need them, of mechanics who keep our cars running so that we can be where we need to be.
There are no boundaries when it comes to the need to continue the work of Jesus Christ. It takes no “religious vocation” to be forgiving, healing or kind. There is no “them” or “us” when it comes to charity and offering that cup of water. You don’t need a membership card to let people see the face of Christ and know the love God. I do know for sure that those who serve in the name of Jesus will be drawn into deeper friendship with him, and we can all do that.