The First Lesson in Ecumenism
February 26, 2025 - Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Mark 9:38-40
At the beginning of chapter 9, the disciples failed to expel a mute spirit. Today, we learn that they stopped someone else who could do what they could not. And what was their reason? He was not part of their company. Once again, Mark presents an unflattering image of the disciples. Not only did they vie for positions, but they were also narrow-minded and intolerant.
“Because he does not follow us.” The Gospel is about following Christ, not about following them. The Bible consistently emphasizes the centrality of God: “Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory” (Ps 115:1). The first commandment states, “I am the Lord, your God, who brought you out of Egypt,” not someone else. Every form of human or institutional idolatry is excluded.
One of the great scandals of Christianity is its division into different churches and denominations, with each often claiming that one must follow them to be saved. We profess in the Apostles’ Creed, “I believe in the holy Catholic Church.” When that creed was formulated, the Church was visibly united, though theological and liturgical differences already existed. Today, our divisions are undeniable, but so are our efforts toward unity.
The Second Vatican Council, held in the 1960s, teaches that the Church Christ established subsists in the Catholic Church, “which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him.” Much has been said about the choice of the phrase “subsists in” instead of simply “is.” However, the Council also acknowledges that “many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside of its visible structure.”
“Do not prevent him,” Jesus told his disciples. As Catholics, we are familiar with Matteo Ricci, the Jesuit priest considered one of the greatest missionaries to China. But fewer of us have heard of Hudson Taylor, a Protestant pastor who also ranks among the greatest missionaries to China. At the start of the 20th century, Protestant communities in Latin America were nearly nonexistent; today, they are widespread and vibrant. Similarly, the remarkable Christian presence in South Korea is largely due to Protestant evangelization efforts. At the same time, the Catholic Church has played a vital role in evangelization across the world.
In one of his sermons, Pope Francis has powerfully stated that the blood of martyrs is a seed of unity for all Christians. Their witness, given through selfless sacrifice, transcends divisions and calls believers to work toward greater unity within the Body of Christ. In the face of persecution and suffering, the martyrs embody the strength of faith that unites all Christians, inspiring us to set aside our differences and work together for a more harmonious and faithful witness to the world.
Today, Jesus gives us the first lesson in ecumenism. Instead of preventing others from doing a mighty deed in His name simply because they are not “one of us,” we should ask ourselves: Are we truly following Christ on the way of the Cross toward Easter?