Twenty-Sixth Monday of Ordinary Time

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."

We all experience moments of jealously. We see someone who has something we want and wish we had it. We see someone who has hurt us be rewarded in some way and wish we'd gotten their reward instead. We do something good and get not credit, but another person does something else and gets all the attention. We are constantly tempted to seek recognition for ourselves and receive rewards for our good deeds. However, our faith is not about outshining someone in worldly accolades. It is about being a beacon of spiritual grace to the world. We are supposed to bring the light of heaven to the world, not to bring attention to ourselves, but to the one who sent us. Our every thought, word, and work should be a witness of God's Love for the world and lead others to the Truth that will set them free of their own selfishness. We should welcome the success of others, not wish for it for ourselves. This is not an easy thing to do, but if we wish to be Disciples of Christ, then we must be willing to allow and even encourage others to shine more brightly than us.

Who are we jealous of? How can we overcome these temptations and find joy in the success of others? How can we be better witnesses to God's Love, Mercy, and Grace?

O Lord, may our hearts welcome others into our lives and rejoice in their success.

Amen.