When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd 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.
“When an unclean spirit goes out of someone,
it roams through arid regions searching for rest
but, finding none, it says,
‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’
But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order.
Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits
more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there,
and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.”
While Jesus was speaking,
a woman from the crowd called out and said to him,
“Blessed is the womb that carried you
and the breasts at which you nursed.”
He replied, “Rather, blessed are those
who hear the word of God and observe it.” Lk 11:15-28
Jesus teaches us an important lesson today. A house, family, or religion cannot stand if it is divided. The people believe Jesus is casting out demons with demons. Jesus said this is impossible, but if He casts them out with the finger of God he is who he says he is, the Son of God and “the kingdom of God is at hand” in their midst. After He again reveals who He is and by what power and authority He does things, he makes a bold statement, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” We need to choose sides and live accordingly which leads me to today’s gospel. Jesus says “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” We have heard Jesus tell us this a couple of other times in Luke’s Gospel. Why will people not read the Gospels daily or attend daily Mass if this is the most sure path to heaven. The Word is Jesus and He is found in the Scriptures. This is the golden ticket to a stronger faith. Share it with everyone, motivate everyone in your family to read it, make a habit of reading it yourself. You will not be let down. It will stir your Spirit. You will be blessed. You will sin less. You gain wisdom. You will understand who and what you worship better. You will understand the true meaning of love. You will experience joy. You will understand and give mercy. You will treat others differently. You will have a better perspective of your mission and will become the best version of yourself, a saint! Read the Scriptures, reflect on them, and observe them in your daily life. The rewards are eternal!
Today’s challenge: Download an app or bookmark a Catholic Scripture app or website (or you can come to my website :). Set a ringtone on your phone or Ipad to remind you to read the daily Scriptures or pray. Make it a habit.
Become a saint!
Christian YOLO
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