Readings
Job 1: 6-22
Luke 9: 46-50
Reflection
In an age where digital images are increasingly dominant, it is good to be reminded of how powerful a simple image can be. How could Jesus have better addressed the infighting among his disciples for places of prominence? How could he have better highlighted that it is not the powerful but the ‘little ones’ amongst us that are closest to God? In a culture that did not recognise a child as having any rights, Jesus had a child stand among them and simply said, “Look! The least among you is the greatest”! Point made!
Perhaps the argument among the disciples had begun because of differing abilities to cast out demons and observing someone doing this who had not been ‘chosen’ by Jesus. John advised Jesus that they had tried to stop a man who was successful in casting out demons using Jesus’ name. How dare an outsider do this? He had no place in their group or their mission?
Once again, Jesus’ response was simple – if someone is not working against you, he is working for you. Case closed!
We might self-righteously criticise the disciples for their lack of openness, but how easy it is for any of us to resent success (especially at footy finals’ time) or fail to give first place to the latecomer. Amid such experiences are the secrets of the gospel and the test of true discipleship.
Brian Traynor CP has been involved in faith formation for many years especially in the form of parish missions and through the Passionist Family Group Movement. Brian is a member of the Passionist community at Holy Cross, Templestowe.