SEEING THE GOODNESS OF OTHERS – 02/23/22 (Memorial of St. Polycarp)

Mark 9:38-40

38 John said to Him, "Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us." 39 But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in My name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is for us.

For the full readings, click here: 

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

For more information on the Memorial of St. Polycarp, bishop and martyr, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/february-23-saint-polycarp-bishop-and-martyr/

Blessed Memorial of St. Polycarp! The disciples saw an exorcist who was driving out demons in the name of Jesus. However, this exorcist did not belong to the group of the disciples. As such, they prevented him, but our Lord Jesus told them not to. It's because the exorcist was doing acts that were pleasing to God. Unfortunately, the disciples were unable to see the goodness of this person, and the grace that God gave to him because they focused too much on his imperfections. They were even unable to see how this exorcist had faith in Jesus while they lacked faith in Him in some passages in the Gospel where the disciples were unable to drive the demons out. 

Jesus Christ is calling us to practice humility, especially as we encounter with other people. Humility is not just limited to acknowledging weaknesses, sins, and imperfections before God. It also includes seeing the presence of the Lord in the lives of many people, even in the little virtues they have. There can be a tendency for us to dwell on the sins and imperfections of other people like our loved ones and dismiss the good acts they do for others and for us. We may even fall in the trap of elevating ourselves thinking that we're better than them. In reality, God desires that we follow His example. He knows all of our imperfections better than we do. And yet, He still loves us, and He is pleased by our little acts with love even amidst the darkness and weaknesses of our own lives. It does not mean that we should promote the sins of others. Rather, seeing the presence of God in the lives of other people, no matter how small their good deeds are, should give us hope in the plan of God for them. 

May we reflect upon our mindset when we think of other people. Do we dwell on their sins and mistakes? Do we judge them and think that we're better than them? Let us focus more on their virtues and thank God for them because these are the signs of God's presence in their lives. As we reflect on their good works, let's ponder on the areas of our lives that need to improve and be better by God's grace. Instead of condemning people because of their imperfections, may we pray for them to be closer to God even more. In this way, our Lord will purify us from pride, envy and jealousy, and He will grant us the hope of entering the Kingdom of Heaven as we persevere in humility. 

St. Polycarp, pray for us. Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic