In today's gospel, John reports to Jesus that his group saw someone driving out demons in Jesus' name, and they tried to prevent him because he was not one of them. In response, Jesus said that they should not prevent him because no one who performs a mighty deed in his name can at the same time speak ill of him. “Whoever is not against us is for us,” he added.
As Christians, we are the followers of Christ, and we call ourselves Christians. My question for today’s gospel is this, "What does it mean to be a Christian?" Many people say that they are Christians just because they were baptized in the Church. Others may say that they are Christians because they fulfill all the rituals and receive all the sacraments in the Church. In today’s gospel, Jesus talks about actions as the most crucial elements that define the Christians who follow him. Unfortunately, several times in our lives, we are tempted to look at people who do not belong to our Church as opponents or enemies of Christ. With this perspective, we are definitely convinced that we are in the right position. However, today's gospel challenges us to redirect our minds and hearts and purify the way we look at people who do not share the same faith and belief as us. If they live a good and virtuous life and are not against the teaching of Jesus, they are heeding Jesus Christ. The Spirit of Christ indwells them. It follows that even the non-Christians can do the will of God according to their capacity.
It is hurtful and shameful when we see some non-Christians who live their good and moral lives more in accordance with the teaching of Jesus Christ than some Christians. Perhaps we need to be oriented again to understand that the most essential aspect of being a Christian is to lead our lives according to the will of God. In so doing, we show kindness, forgiveness, humility, and especially love to everyone. This is what defines us as true Christians.
Furthermore, we are encouraged to do our actions by giving a good example to others. We do this by avoiding sin and living a virtuous life. To be true disciples of Jesus, we need to put the teachings of Jesus into action so that people might appreciate and taste the goodness of God from our actions. Hopefully, they will be able to change their way of life according to the teaching of Christ and allow Jesus Christ, the source of goodness, to be the center of their lives.
Lastly, by pondering the gospel for this Sunday, we are called to be true disciples of Jesus by leading a life compatible with His teaching. Let us avoid to be fake disciples who live their life in the opposite way of the teaching of Christ. May God enlighten our hearts and minds so that we may be able to distinguish what is right from what is wrong. Our desire is to be able to improve our lives until we reach the stature of Christ. Happy Sunday
