SUNDAY, JANUARY 26th

WHO IS IN FAVOR OF JESUS?

Mark 9: 38-40

For whoever is not against us is for us.

Mark 9:40 (NIV)

The disciples turn to Jesus to inform him of the correct attitude that they had in forbidding the man to cast out demons in the name of Jesus. For them the decision taken was synonymous with the fulfillment of duty. Indeed, it was an obligation to object, as followers of Jesus to any action that another, outside the group they had formed, used the name of Jesus to perform an action favorable to their neighbor. Jesus does not agree with their decision. He had been teaching them to build the Kingdom of God and their action was not consistent with the teaching they were receiving from Him.

The exclusivist thought that the disciples had was disapproved by Jesus, and as Master and Teacher he explains to them that this prohibition brought strife, because it disunited and did not multiply. For Jesus the essential thing is that they be in favor of Him, regardless of not belonging to the group. Jesus helps them understand that the important thing is to recognize and value the good that is done to another person.

Prayer: Lord, may we never lose sight of the fact that we are one in your Spirit. Amen.

Translation by Susan Metcalf Smith

ENERO 26, DOMINGO

QUIEN ESTÁ A FAVOR DE JESÚS

Marcos 9: 38-40

El que no está contra nosotros, está a favor nuestro.

Marcos 9:40

Los discípulos se dirigen a Jesús para informarle la correcta actitud que habían tenido al prohibirle a uno que expulsase demonios en el nombre de Jesús. Para ellos la decisión tomada era sinónimo de cumplimiento del deber, es más, era una obligación objetar, como seguidores de Jesús, cualquier acción que otro, fuera del grupo que ellos formaban, utilizaran el nombre de Jesús para realizar una acción favorable al prójimo. Jesús no está de acuerdo con la decisión tomada por ellos. Él les ha estado enseñando a construir el Reino de Dios y ese actuar no era coherente con la enseñanza que recibían de Él.

El pensamiento exclusivista que tenían los discípulos era desaprobado por Jesús, y como Maestro les explica que esa prohibición traía contienda, porque desune y no multiplica. Para Jesús lo esencial es que estén a favor de Él, sin importar la no pertenencia al grupo. Jesús les hace entender que lo importante es reconocer y valorar el bien que se hace a otra persona.

Oración: Señor, que nunca perdamos de vista que somos uno en tu Espíritu. Amén.