In last week’s gospel (Mark 9:30-37) the disciples, having argued over which of them was most importance, received a lesson in humility from Jesus. Such personal ambition and pride breaks down the unity to which we are called to the detriment of the mission entrusted to us. What about “team pride” however? In today’s gospel John the disciple has seen someone casting out spirits in Jesus’ name and tried to prevent him because he wasn’t a member of their group. We can picture the other disciples, in true team spirit, nodding their heads in unison. The desire for status and authority he and the other disciples each wanted for themselves becomes a desire for special status for the group at least, exclusive rights to the use of Jesus’ name and power. Similarly, in our first reading, Joshua complains to Moses that a couple men who weren’t part of the group were prophesying, “My Lord, stop them!” Moses, as Jesus with the disciples, was not supportive of their desire for exclusive authority but, rather, wishing everyone would be a prophetic voice, sharing the message of God with others.
In our day and age, we might consider our attitude toward other religions and Christian denominations and their members. Since the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church has promoted the ecumenical movement between denominations and our popes have met and shared prayer with leaders of non-Christian religions. “Team pride” is good as long as it does not translate into a desire for exclusivity or judgment of others.