TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME WED MAY 18

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME WED MAY 18 ( Jas 4:13-17, Mk 9:38-40 )

#ENVYANDJEALOUSYARECONTRARYTOLOVE#

In the gospel, the disciples  were upset that someone who was not of their company was performing a good work in the name of Jesus. They even "forbade" the man "because he was not following us", Jesus reprimands then for their exclusivism,  jealousy and suspicion and replied with wisdom saying  "No one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me." Are we not like the disciples when we get upset at the good deeds of others who seem to shine more than us?

Honestly friends “Exclusivism” can be defined as a tendency to think that something is good only when I do it. It’s a form of spiritual greed in which we have a hard time rejoicing in and supporting the good deeds of another. This is a dangerous but all to common struggle for many. Envy and jealousy are sinful because they lead us to sorrow over what should make us rejoice - namely, our neighbour's good. Envy is contrary to love.

Beloved, the ideal, in our Christian life, is to look for the works of God everywhere and within everyone. We should so deeply desire that the Kingdom of God be built up that we are overjoyed whenever we witness such activity. Let us reflect, today, upon our own reactions toward the goodness of others. May the Holy Spirit purify our hearts and free us from our disordered passions, such as envy, jealously, greed, and bitterness, and may we always rejoice at the good of others. Be blessed.