In the first reading James reminds us that trials and difficulties are good to test us and strengthen us in our faith. He also reminds us to pray with complete trust and confidence in God.

In the Gospel reading, the apostle John complains to Jesus about one not in their group who drove out demons in the name of Jesus. Jesus answers John, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in my name can soon after speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”

John’s complaint is similar to today’s racism, intolerance and discrimination: if you are different or are not with us, why should we tolerate you? Should you not be outlawed?

Apparently even then these present-day issues already existed: these issues must be part of our human condition.

Let us learn to allow and not forbid, to speak good rather than evil of others, to be for rather than against the universal good of all humanity, no matter the color of their skin or their nationality or their sexual orientation or their religious beliefs.

Jesus came for all of us and he loves every single one of us.