God is in Control

Homily for Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Human beings have not changed much since the time of Jesus. We still tend toward polarization and the illusion that we are in control. When the apostles become upset because someone else is using the name of Jesus to cast out demons, he tries to set them straight about who is with him and who is against him.

At the very least, the apostles should realize that no human being can control the power of God. God’s power will act whenever and wherever it is invoked. No one has exclusive control over the power of God to heal.

Calling upon the name of Jesus in prayer is how we change the world; it is how we change ourselves. Performing deeds in the name of Jesus – what we frequently call the corporal and spiritual works of mercy – is how we continue the mission of Christ of building the kingdom here on earth. In him we are united, not polarized; in him we are led with clarity, not illusion. All who belong to Christ – those who are with him and for him – do any deed, mighty or small, with the confidence that it is Christ himself who works in and through us to heal, comfort, to forgive, and to bring joy.