ACC ~ Mark 9 v39

ENCOURAGING GOOD WORKS DONE IN CHRIST’S NAME

AUGUSTINE: We ought not be disturbed because some who do not belong or do not yet belong to this temple, that is, among whom God does not or does not yet dwell, perform some works of power, as happened to the one who cast out devils in the name of Christ. [1] Although he was not a follower of Christ, Christ ordered that he be allowed to continue because it gave a valuable testimony of his name to many. … The centurion Cornelius also saw the angel that was sent to him to say that his prayers had been heard and his alms accepted, [2] even before he was incorporated into this temple by regeneration. LETTER 187, TO DARDANUS 36. [3]

[1] Cf. Mk 9:38; Lk 9:49.

[2] Cf. Acts 10:3-4.

[3] Cetedoc 0262, 187.57.12.113.20; FC 30:250.

JUDGMENTAL EXCESS

AUGUSTINE: Some who are intent on severe disciplinary principles which admonish us to rebuke the restless, not to give what is holy to dogs, [1] to consider a despiser of the church as a heathen, to cut off from the unified structure of the body the member which causes scandal, [2] so disturb the peace of the church that they try to separate the wheat from the chaff before the proper time. [3] Blinded by this error, they are themselves separated instead from the unity of Christ. FAITH AND WORKS 4.6. [4]

[1] Cf. Mt 7:6; 15:26; Mk 7:27.

[2] Cf. Mt 5:30; 18:8-9; Mk 9:42-48.

[3] Cf. Mt 13:29-30.

[4] Cetedoc 0294, 4.6.41.9; FC 27:227*.