Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Every person is made in the image and likeness of God. Every person has been given a set of gifts that are given to them for the benefit of the others. So why is it then that we sometimes think we have a right to block others from using their God given gifts? Have you ever heard someone say to another disciple, do not minister in that manner? There are of course many valid reasons to draw limits. However, the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few.
It is with that in mind that we encounter the disciples in today’s gospel busy trying to tell others that they have no right to minister in Jesus’ name. Perhaps they told themselves they were better than the others, perhaps this was their motivation for trying to prevent the actions of others. Are there times when we are like the disciples?
Listen to the disciples’ words, “we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” The disciples were the ones in this story who wanted to be in charge, and who wanted to be followed. If someone else could examine our lives and values as a whole, who might they say we follow? Of course it is Jesus whom we are to follow in the way we think talk and act. As a members of the body of Christ, we as Church need to be the encounter with Christ for others. Not so that attention is drawn to us, but so that we may be a transparent window through which others only Jesus.
"Lord, You are our light and our life. Purify our motivation for discipleship so that our love for you our very lives will glorify you oh Lord. Then our lives will model for all that we follow You who lives and reigns One God, forever and ever. Amen!"
- Deacon Michael Montgomery