Mercy by Any Means

Gospel: Mark 9: 38-40

One day you walk along a street and happen upon a group of people feeding the hungry and providing clothing to some people in need.  You discover that those providing such care are not from your church or any church at all.  What is your reaction?  If the reaction is to be indignant as the disciples were in today's Gospel portion, that fits a large part of the history of Christianity.  

But let us note that Jesus rebukes such indignance, for it stems from a desire for power and control and not one of care for those in need.  Jesus was not interested in institutions and who was in charge.  He was interested in whether people were extending mercy and compassion to others in need.  So, instead of being put out by such scenes we should be rejoicing that mercy is being shown and people are being provided with what they need in life.  

For too long we human beings have created their own rival institutions of religion, politics, and a myriad of other categories.  We have spurned rival groups for the good work they perform rather than rejoice in it.  Perhaps if we come together to do these good works in common we might see as Jesus sees and not as we do.  We might break the cycle of divisions we have created over time.  And most importantly we might provide more effectively the mercy God demands we show to the world.