What is the Catholic interpretation of this passage?

"Mark 9:38-41 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward."

Surely even in that time there were many who only heard of Jesus and the apostles. They heard the message, which may have been changed at least somewhat based on how good their source was, and if they heard it 2nd, 3rd, 4th hand and so forth.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), January 17, 2004

Answers

It all depends on how someone uses the passage. If it is used to say that people are saved who do not know of the Church, that is within Catholic teaching.

The New American Bible has the following footnote: Jesus warns against jealousy and intolerance toward others, such as exorcists who do not follow us. The saying in Mark 9:40 is a broad principle of the divine tolerance. Even the smallest courtesies shown to those who teach in Jesus' name do not go unrewarded.

The full teaching is in the Catechism

-- Bill Nelson (bnelson45@hotmail.com), January 17, 2004.

I think GT the best example of Mark 9:38-41 is the Apostle Paul.

Paul was not a disciple of Jesus.

Paul persecuted the Nazoreans, the followers of the Way (the original name of the Church). Act 24:5 For we have found this man [a] pestilent [fellow], and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: Act 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: Act 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Act 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men.

Act 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, Act 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. Act 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: Act 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Act 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Act 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Paul had dreams and revelations which made him change his mind and made him a follower of Jesus. Act 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. Act 16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto

Up until his death, he was never accepted as "Apostle" 100%. Even James, Jesus brother forced to follow purification rites when he came to jerusalem because everyone accused Paul of perverting the Gospel!!! Act 21:18 And the [day] following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. Act 21:19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. Act 21:20 And when they heard [it], they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: Act 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise [their] children, neither to walk after the customs. Act 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Act 21:23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; Act 21:24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave [their] heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but [that] thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

Yet, Paul is the founder of our faith. This "dreamer" was finally vindicated by 2000 million followers worldwide carrying the name Christian.

Your brother in Christ The Christian Yahwist

-- Elpidio Gonzalez (egonzalez@srla.org), January 17, 2004.

Bill, I read the link, but it doesn't really address it very well. I look at people's knowlege of Jesus and the Church somewhat differently, for example:

You have people at John Gecik's (did I spell that correctly) level of understanding, can quote from everything backwards, forwards and inside out :-) (You too, Bill!)

All the way through various levels down to:

People who have a very simple understanding of Jesus and his message, yet try to live a good life by what they have read in the Bible, either on their own or within their particular faith community.

I get the sense from some Catholics that however much good you do for others, that it won't matter because you're a Protestant of some sort, even though you believe in Jesus. That seems to run contrary to what the passage says above. And brings up an interesting question--have there been any miracles performed by non-Catholics that have been recognized by the Church as being miracles?

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), January 17, 2004.

I get the sense from some Catholics that however much good you do for others, that it won't matter because you're a Protestant of some sort, even though you believe in Jesus. That seems to run contrary to what the passage says above.

While it is normatively necessary to be a Catholic to be saved (see CCC 846; Vatican II, Lumen Gentium 14), there are exceptions, and it is possible in some circumstances for people to be saved who have not been fully initiated into the Catholic Church (CCC 847). This teaching comes from the Church Fathers. Personally, I firmly believe God often leads people into His Truth in stages.

And brings up an interesting question--have there been any miracles performed by non-Catholics that have been recognized by the Church as being miracles?

Only God performs miracles, men don't. As far as I know, all miracles the Church has recognized have been seen or through Catholics or people who converted soon afterword. Although there have been miracles witnessed by many non-Catholics. But the Church doesn't deny miracles can occur to those outside the Church. The Church has enough trouble keeping up with proported Catholic miracles. But remember, only God performs miracles. When the Church recognizes a miracle She is only saying that it cannot be explained by any natural or scientific way.

Miracles are a gift from God. Often used to bring people to Him. There were many miracles recorded during the early Church. Jesus performed miracles that affected many people. There is no evidence all of them converted.

On the other hand, there are a lot of charlatans out there.

Does this help?

-- Bill Nelson (bnelson45@hotmail.com), January 17, 2004.

Thanks for the correction, I meant to write have any miracles been worked through non-Catholic individuals. I still feel that there can be people who may not be Catholic but who are yet living according to Christ's message, and still have hope of salvation.

What you write does help. Thank you

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), January 18, 2004.