Whoever is not against you is for you

Zc 8,1-8; Ps 101; Lk 9,46,50
30 SEPTEMBER

Whoever carries out the works of the flesh is by nature against others. Whoever transgresses the Commandments by will is against God and against the neighbour. Whoever cultivates the seven deadly sins will always be against others. Never whoever hates the Word of God and of Christ Jesus might love his brothers. He lacks the source of love which is the grace and truth of God. Saint Paul to Christians who walk according to the flesh says that at least they do not slaughter each other. Today these works lead to endless murders, the fruit of infinite evilness and wickedness. Crucified Christ was abandoned and we are ruled by Satan.

For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another. I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another (Gal 5,13-26).

Whoever is in the Word of the Lord, in his Commandments and in the Gospel of Christ Jesus is always for his brothers. Not only does he not harm others, he does not even resist the wicked. Like Jesus, he also lets himself be deprived of the body and letting him be nailed to the cross.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow (Mt 5,38-42).

If we get out of faith relationships and enter the vast world of human relations, one might not even be with us, not choose our faith or our community. He could decide to stay in his world. Jesus says: if a person does not hinder you, does not set himself against you, lets you work in peace and also gives you a glass of water, this person is not against you, he is for you and helps you in your mission. Why stop him from helping you? Everyone needs the help of others. Everybody. Jesus also needed to be received. He always lets himself be welcomed.

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Tomorrow the Apostles will have to go out into the world to preach the good news. Some will welcome them according to faith, believing in the Word and letting themselves be baptized. Others will fight them. Still others will remain in their religious belief, but not for this reason will they hurt them. They will also be able to do them good. Can they accept it? Certainly. They need every good thing. Good always comes from God. If a man drives out demons in the name of Christ, he is certainly not against Christ, he is for Him. He is helping him so that many others can believe. Preventing good is a sin.

Mother of God, Angels and Saints give us wisdom and discernment to know the good