The Name of Jesus

Today’s Gospel Text: John said to him, "Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us." 39 But 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. 40 For he that is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward. 42 "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Reflection: A good tree not only gives fruit, but could have many uses too, no part of the tree goes wasted. Even if the main purpose of planting the tree could be its fruit but besides giving shade to a passerby, the fruit can be used for a variety of purposes, the seeds to too can be used as edible oil, the bark and leaves could be used as fodder or as a medicinal herb or for other useful purposes.

Similarly, one of the main purpose of Jesus’ coming was to make disciples of all nations, yet his reach is far and wide to all sorts of people who are open to his action and power.

Even the wicked and the evil may make use of his name for personal glory and power, if they do not repent then it is only to face the judgment on the last day; “On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.” Matt 7:22-23

Hence of the many who  would be using his name, there will be some who maybe for Christ or against him or maybe seeing his power change and turn to him, repenting of whatever wrong they may have done.

The wheat and the weed has to exist and grow together:  “...lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest.” Matt 13:29-30

It is a lesson for each one of us not to take the generosity of God for granted, in fact, “..to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Matt 25:29

Prayer: Lord, as I seek to be your instrument, following you as a disciple, may I be found worthy of your calling and not be found lacking on that day.

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