Power in the Name of Jesus

09-26-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp

In today’s gospel Jesus teaches the need to recognize the gifts of others even when they are not of our group, the reward for a charity done to those who preach the word of God and to cut off anything that would separate us from God. Mark’s Gospel of today, sets off with John’s questions to Jesus about an unknown exorcist who was driving out demons in Jesus’ name. John’s question might have been motivated by jealousy. The disciple of Jesus observed that the unknown exorcist invoked Jesus’ name and was successful in his healing efforts. This unknown healer recognized the power of Jesus’ name, yet he was not a follower of Jesus. In Jesus’ reply: Jesus acknowledges that deeds of faith can precede the words of faith.

The first reading also presents us with the same issue of some people outside the group of prophets prophesying in the outside camp. Just as in the gospel reading the reason for Joshua’s concern of these other prophets may not be unconnected with Jealousy. Jesus and Moses in these two readings points out clearly to their disciples the danger of jealousy and warned them never to give in to any form of jealousy. One of the greatest evils of jealousy is that the person gains nothing from it. It rather destroys the person and the one you are envious of moves on higher. It is a sin that eats one up and benefits the individual nothing.

The demonic possession described in the Gospel might be a form of mental illness, but the need for healing these syndromes was as real then as it is now. The possession here refers to anything that hinders or prevents us from being what God intends us to be. Anything that keeps us away from God’s blessing can be the work of the demon who does not want us to enjoy God’s goodness. It can be drugs or alcohol addiction, or any form of addiction or excessive fear of the unknown, or depression. These are not God’s design for us because he wants us to have life in fullness. Jn 10:10. The good news is that with strong invocations of the name Jesus, all these demonic influences would be destroyed. “God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee must bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Phil 2:9-10.” This confirms the power in the name of Jesus.

It is on this that Jesus invites us to sever off anything that causes us to sin. When He says if your eyes, foot, or hands cause you to sin, that one should be cut it off. It does not literally mean that one should use a knife to sever any part of the body, but to avoid the danger of using it as a means of destruction. Jesus intended our feet, eyes and hands are meant to be used to build the Kingdom of God and when used in improper direction become agents of destruction. Such agents of destruction should be cut off.

Besides, a very important message taken from today’s Gospel is the blessings of charity done especially to someone because the person is God’s prophet. It is a message of encouragement to all who make great sacrifices for the Gospel preachers and the Church’s mission. Jesus gives the assurance that such generosity to gospel preachers or mission work is not in vain even when it is not appreciated by the person.

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