In today’s Gospel one phrase is repeated twice: “not one of usâ€. The apostle John is indignant that a man outside of their circle is casting out devils. “Because he was not one of us we tried to stop him,†John tells Jesus. But Jesus stuns the disciples by telling them that they have no monopoly on the healing power of Jesus. “Anyone who is not against us is for us,†He says.
Jesus asks a lot of us here. Be easy on others, give them the benefit of the doubt, assume that God is working in them. Do not seek the prestige of wealth, possessions and power for yourself, and refuse to exploit others. Instead, demand simplicity, honesty and repentance as you push towards spiritual growth. God’s Spirit is within our family and neighbors, and perhaps we can learn to recognize the prophets among us and listen to them.