“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.”
(Mark 9:39-40)
The work of God is not limited or confined to a specific group or community. It can be carried out by anyone who believes in Jesus and acts in His name. Those who are working towards the same goal are allies, not competitors. We should be accepting and inclusive in our interactions with others regardless of their background or affiliation and promote unity and cooperation. Let us not to judge others based on our limited understanding.
38 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.” 39 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. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:38-40)
In the vast expanse of His divine plan, God's work is not bound by the scope of man. Not confined to a group, community, or clan, it's carried out by anyone who believes they can. Believers in Jesus, in His name they act, their faith in Him, a proven fact. Working towards a goal, a sacred pact, allies in His love, in unity intact. Not competitors in a worldly race, but companions in seeking His grace. Accepting all, regardless of their base, promoting unity, cooperation we embrace. In our interactions, let's include, not judge others, nor be rude. For our understanding may be skewed, in His love, we are all pursued.
Dear Lord Jesus, we acknowledge that Your work is not confined, not limited to a group, or a specific kind. It can be carried out by anyone aligned, who believes in You, and in Your name, they find. Those working towards the same goal, we see, are allies in faith, not competitors to be. Help us to accept, to include, to free, regardless of background or community. Promote in us unity, cooperation, and love, as we strive to reflect Your grace from above. Let us not judge others, for we know of, our understanding is limited, but not Your love. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
Life is uncertain and unpredictable. We should be mindful of this when making plans and not assume that everything will go as we expect. Our plans and ambitions should always be made with an understanding that they are subject to change. Knowing what is right is not enough; we must also act on that knowledge. Inaction or neglect when we know what should be done is considered a sin. Let us be humble and recognize that we are not in control of everything. We should align our plans with God’s will. It teaches that we should say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that” instead of making definitive statements about our future. The metaphor of life being a vapor or mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes is a reminder of the fleeting nature of human life. It encourages us to value our time and live wisely.
13 Beloved: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town, spend a year there doing business, and make a profit”— 14 you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. 15 Instead you should say, “If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that.” 16 But now you are boasting in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is a sin. (James 4:13-17)
In the dance of life, so unpredictable and free, we craft our plans with hopeful glee. Yet mindful we must be, as the future unfolds, that life, like a river, never truly holds. Our ambitions, our dreams, like ships setting sail, are subject to change with each passing gale. Knowing what's right is but half the quest, action is needed to pass the test. Inaction, neglect, when we know what's right, is a sin in itself, obscuring the light. Humility is our guide, our steadfast friend, reminding us, we're not in control of the end. Align our plans with the Divine will, "If the Lord wills, we shall climb this hill." Not a definitive statement about our fate, but a humble prayer, before it's too late. Life is a vapor, a fleeting mist, here for a moment, then lost in the abyss. A reminder stark of our transient stay, encouraging us to value each day. Live wisely, live well, under the sun, for life is uncertain, but beautifully spun.
Dear Lord, we acknowledge that life is uncertain and unpredictable. As we make our plans, help us to be mindful of this truth, and not to assume that everything will go as we expect. May our plans and ambitions always be made with an understanding, that they are subject to change according to Your divine will. Lord, grant us the wisdom to know what is right, and the courage to act on that knowledge. Forgive us when we fall into inaction or neglect, especially when we know what should be done. Help us to be humble, recognizing that we are not in control of everything. Guide us to align our plans with Your will, and teach us to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that,” Instead of making definitive statements about our future. Remind us, Lord, that life is but a vapor, a mist, appearing for a little while and then vanishing. Help us to value our time and live wisely, acknowledging the fleeting nature of human life. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Our lives are in God’s hands and that we should align our plans with His will. Wealth is fleeting and cannot buy redemption or eternal life. All people, regardless of their wealth or status, face the same fate. We should not put our trust in material possessions, as they are temporary and cannot save us and we should treat all people with equal respect and dignity. It is always important in seeking wisdom about the nature of life and death, wealth and poverty and understanding them in our lives. We should not envy others for their material possessions but instead focus on spiritual values over material wealth. Let us value our own time and live wisely in more thoughtful and meaningful ways.
2 Hear this, all you peoples; hearken, all who dwell in the world, 3 of lowly birth or high degree, rich and poor alike. 6 Why should I fear in evil days when my wicked ensnarers ring me round? 7 They trust in their wealth; the abundance of their riches is their boast. 8 Yet in no way can a man redeem himself, or pay his own ransom to God; 9 Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough 10 to remain alive always and not see destruction. 11 For he can see that wise men die, and likewise the senseless and the stupid pass away, leaving to others their wealth. (Psalm 49:2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11)
In God's hands, our lives do rest, aligning with His will is always best. Wealth is fleeting, can't buy redemption, a truth we learn with deep reflection. All people, rich or poor, share the same fate, a humbling thought, to contemplate. Trust not in possessions, they cannot save, their worth is not the measure of the brave. Treat all with respect, with dignity, for in God's eyes, we are all free. Seek wisdom about life, death, wealth, and need, understanding these, is to succeed. Envy not others for what they own, focus on spiritual values, let them be known. Material wealth is not the goal, but a loving heart, a kind soul. Value time, live wisely, let love increase, in thoughtful ways, find your peace. Life is a journey, a meaningful quest, in God's hands, we are blessed.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that our lives are in Your hands, and we seek to align our plans with Your divine will. We understand that wealth is fleeting, and it cannot buy redemption or eternal life. We recognize that all people, regardless of wealth or status, face the same fate in Your eyes. Help us not to put our trust in material possessions, for they are temporary and cannot save us. Grant us the wisdom to treat all people with equal respect and dignity, and to seek understanding about the nature of life and death, wealth and poverty. Help us not to envy others for their material possessions, but to focus on spiritual values over material wealth. Teach us to value our time and to live wisely, to make the most of each day in thoughtful and meaningful ways. May we always remember that our true treasure is in heaven, and that our time on earth is but a brief moment in eternity. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery
ANOTHER EXORCIST
Mark 9:38-41
First Reading
III: Exhortations and Warnings
WARNING AGAINST PRESUMPTION
James 4:13-17
Responsorial Psalm
Second Book of Psalms 42-72
CONFIDENCE IN GOD RATHER THAN IN RICHES
Psalm 49:1-21
Reflection Source:
Copilot
