Commentary on the Gospel of

Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF - Claretian Publications Philippines

Apostolic Jealousy

Given that John spoke in first person plural (“we”), he was evidently speaking on behalf of all twelve disciples who were upset that an “outsider” was casting out devils in Jesus’ name. We can understand their frustration: It is just a few passages before that we read about their own inability to cast out demons despite being the accredited disciples of Jesus (cf. Mk 9:14-18). Now, they have to face the ignominy of an outsider successfully performing miracles, which makes their own inability to do so all the more humiliating. In reality, the disciples were no different from the priests and Pharisees of their times who felt threatened by the “authority” with which Jesus taught and lived. Jesus wants them to have a generous heart to appreciate goodness wherever it is present, irrespective of loyalties and memberships. After all, God can raise up descendants for the Kingdom even from stones (cf. Lk 3:8)! Apostolic humility can save us much heartburn.

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