In Mark's Gospel, we find a powerful moment that speaks volumes about Christ's healing power. As I reflect on Mark 9:38-40, I'm struck by how this gospel reveals not just Jesus' power to heal but the expansive nature of His compassion.
In this scene, John approaches Jesus saying, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us." Jesus responds with remarkable openness: "Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us."
What strikes me most about this encounter is how it reveals Jesus' primary concern for healing rather than institutional boundaries. The unnamed exorcist was bringing freedom and wholeness to suffering people - and doing so in Christ's name. For Jesus, this was cause for celebration, not concern.
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus' healing touch transformed countless lives. The Gospels overflow with accounts of His compassionate response to human suffering. He restored sight to the blind, enabled the lame to walk, cleansed lepers, and freed those tormented by demons. Each healing wasn't merely physical but holistic - restoring people to their community, to their dignity, and to their fullness of life.
I've seen this same healing power at work in my own life and in our faith community today. When we encounter Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, in prayer, in Scripture, and in one another, we experience His ongoing healing presence. The Sacraments continue to be channels of His grace, bringing restoration to our brokenness. Through Reconciliation, we find immeasurable spiritual healing; through the Anointing of the Sick, we encounter His comfort in our suffering.
What I find most beautiful is how Christ's healing transcends time. The same Jesus who healed in Galilee continues to heal us today. He works through medical professionals, caregivers, and most incredibly through friends who sit with us in our pain. Sometimes healing comes dramatically; other times it unfolds gradually. But always, it flows from His heart of compassion. When my wife Chrissy suffered 6 years with lung cancer and then 3 years into her illness, I had 2 strokes; we were surrounded by some of the most Godly supportive friends, who helped us through the most difficult times we had to bear. I am ever grateful.
As I receive the Eucharist at Mass, I'm reminded that I'm united with the same Christ who told John, "Whoever is not against us is for us." His healing grace extends beyond all boundaries. As His follower, I'm called to be an instrument of that same healing presence in a wounded world.
In Christ, we find the Divine Physician whose power to heal knows no limits - not then, not now, not ever.
A Prayer Reflecting on Mark 9:38-40
Lord Jesus, Divine Healer,
You taught us through Your words to John that Your healing power extends beyond boundaries we create. When You said, "Whoever is not against us is for us," You invited us to recognize Your work in unexpected places and people.
Grant us hearts of discernment rather than judgment, that we might celebrate all the ways Your healing grace manifests in our world. Help us to see that You continue to work mighty deeds through many hands and voices.
May we become instruments of Your healing presence to others, extending mercy and compassion as freely as You did. Let us recognize Your face in those who suffer and Your power in those who bring comfort.
Unite us in Your mission of restoration, that together we might continue the healing ministry You began in Galilee—bringing light to darkness, strength to weakness, and wholeness to brokenness.
We ask this through Your most holy name, believing that You hear us and heal us still.
Amen.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
