Todays Gospel Reading & Reflection: Thursday, March 27, 2014 Jeremiah 7:23-28 (1st Reading) Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Gospel: Luke 11:14-23 (JESUS AND BEELZEBUL) Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” REFLECTION: ONE STRONGER. Jesus refers to the demon as a strong man. As spiritual beings, as fallen angels, demons are more powerful than human beings, can possess persons, and can cause a lot of harm. Jesus also calls Satan as the ruler or prince of this world (cf John 12:31). Indeed, the demons hold sway on the world. In the Gospel, however, Jesus is presented as one stronger. John the Baptist earlier described Jesus as one mightier than I (Luke 3:16). Jesus is stronger than any man, angel or evil, because he is Gods very own Son. And he has come to lay waste the kingdom of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. This he shows by driving out a demon that is mute. Some people, however, have closed their hearts to Jesus. Instead of seeing the miracle as a sign that Jesus comes with Gods authority, and that through him Gods kingdom has come to people, they accuses Jesus of being in league with Beelzebul. Jesus refutes their charge by pointing out that Satan cannot be fighting against himself. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith... (1 Peter 5:8-9). - 365 days w/ the Lord (Liturgical Biblical Diary 2014) Good morning!
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 22:59:30 +0000
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