John brings another exorcist to the attention of Jesus.
In doing so, John shows his desire for unity. He wishes all the people working wonders in Jesus's name to be of the same company. He could have shared in the desire of St. Paul: "Complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing" (Phil 2:2). It is the desire proper to a bishop like John. It is a good desire.
Jesus meets his desire by expanding his concept of unity. "For whoever is not against us is for us." These words show the divine tolerance.
St. Augustine reconciles this passage with the one where Jesus says, "Whoever is not with me is against me" (Mt 12:30). Augustine writes, "But surely what is implied is, that a man is not with Him in as far as he is against Him, and is not against Him as far as he is with Him." Thus, the other exorcist was not against Him insofar as he was working miracles in Jesus' name, for he held this in common with the disciples. But he was against them insofar as he did not join their society. So, John should have forbidden his being without their society, but not forbidden what he had in common already. Thus the Catholic Church does not blame heretics for their sacraments, which are common, but for their divisive teachings.
Lord, respond to our desire for unity and show us that You are its true object. Broaden our minds to understand the unities that are already at work in our lives and in our relationships, and let us always be one in You, who are greater than we can imagine. Let the Eucharistic Communion be a source of unity for our lives and those relationships which acknowledge that sacrament.
Mary, singular vessel of devotion and Queen of Apostles, help us to understand the unity that Christ brings about. Draw us into greater communion with God and with our neighbor. Unite all our religious experience into a continuous prayer, centered on Christ in the sacraments, the rosary, and in all of reality.
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