Gospel (Mk 9,38-40) - At that time, John said to Jesus: "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we wanted to stop him, because he did not follow us." But Jesus said: "Do not prevent him, because there is no one who performs a miracle in my name and can immediately speak evil of me: whoever is not against us is for us"

The commentary on the Gospel by Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia

This evangelical passage sounds particularly relevant in our contemporary world as we witness the resurgence of walls and barriers that oppose peoples and nations. The Gospel helps to understand and recognize how much good and beautiful there is in the world and in the hearts of men. And the disciples must appreciate it. Anyone who works with charity is welcomed by the Lord, as is also stated in the Gospel passage of Matthew 25 regarding the universal judgement. Jesus links salvation even just to offering a glass of water to those who are thirsty. He is saying that charity is the way of salvation for everyone, even for those who do not believe. The apostle Paul takes the same line when he writes: "As long as... Christ is announced, I rejoice" (Phil 1:18). This openness and availability do not at all mean selling out Christianity and endorsing an attitude of indifference, much less giving up one's identity. The Word of God is demanding of everyone and asks everyone to convert, but it is also profoundly understanding of the good that can arise from every man. In a world like ours, where we compete in distinguishing ourselves from others, sometimes considering ourselves better and despising others, Jesus' warning is particularly significant and against the grain. Precisely starting from the strength of our Christian faith and identity, the Gospel enables us to discern and appreciate the good that men do, so that it is supported and contributes to building a better world.