Sharing In Good Work
Introduction
The search for wisdom, says Ben Sirach, must be one of the main tasks of a person, for this search is a sign that one loves life. But God is a part of this search for God blesses those who seek wisdom.
“He or she is not one of us” becomes easily an excuse for denying or belittling the good done by others, especially if they are not Catholics. Remember how before Vatican II the Church spoke of Protestants, communists, and socialists… Even today there is a certain hesitancy to recognize the good done by people “who do not belong.” And Vatican II asked us not to think merely of our inner Church interests, for it gave us the pastoral document on The Church in the Modern World. Jesus appreciated whatever good done by anyone, whether belonging to the group or not.
1 Reading: Sirach 4:11-19
Wisdom breathes life into her children
and admonishes those who seek her.
He who loves her loves life;
those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord.
He who holds her fast inherits glory;
wherever he dwells, the LORD bestows blessings.
Those who serve her serve the Holy One;
those who love her the LORD loves.
He who obeys her judges nations;
he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers.
If one trusts her, he will possess her;
his descendants too will inherit her.
She walks with him as a stranger
and at first she puts him to the test;
Fear and dread she brings upon him
and tries him with her discipline
until she try him by her laws and trust his soul.
Then she comes back to bring him happiness
and reveal her secrets to them
and she will heap upon him
treasures of knowledge and an understanding of justice.
But if he fails her, she will abandon him
and deliver him into the hands of despoilers.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119:165, 168, 171, 172, 174, 175
R. (165a) O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Those who love your law have great peace,
and for them there is no stumbling block.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
I keep your precepts and your decrees,
for all my ways are before you.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
My lips pour forth your praise,
because you teach me your statutes.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
May my tongue sing of your promise,
for all your commands are just.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Let my soul live to praise you,
and may your ordinances help me.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Alleluia: John 14:6
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 9:38-40
John said to Jesus,
“Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name,
and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.”
Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him.
There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name
who can at the same time speak ill of me.
For whoever is not against us is for us.”
Commentary
There was a time when Catholic collaboration with other faith traditions in doing good was frowned upon and discouraged. Such cooperation could be construed, it was argued, as in some way giving approval to a religious body that was essentially flawed. It was a case of “we against them”. Fortunately, that day has passed. Interfaith collaboration, especially in social outreach, is not only cost effective; it is a joining together of people in pursuit of a common cause.
Our Gospel today speaks about this issue. The disciple John is disturbed that an unknown man is casting out demons in Jesus’ name. He is not even part of Jesus’ company. Jesus excludes any action or reaction against the man. If he is acting in Jesus’ name, he is at least on Jesus’ side. Since he is not working against Jesus, he is at least an ally in doing good.
Do we have the same openness toward members of other congregations working for good causes? Since they are not working at cross-purposes from ourselves, their work should be seen as positive and worthy of support.
Sirach speaks of the importance of seeking and loving wisdom. But where are we to find this wisdom? God’s will is found first in the scriptures. The Sermon on the Mount is a summary of Jesus’ wisdom. If we reflect on it (Matt 5-7) and look at our lives in its light, we are undoubtedly in wisdom’s company. It is a wisdom that unquestionably leads to eternal life. And the fear of the Lord, is the first stage.
Blessing
We should learn to appreciate whatever good is done by whatever person. The Spirit inspires many people to do good in a variety of ways. Good for them! May almighty God bless them and you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!