Homily for Friday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Galatians 3:7-14, Psalm 111:1-6 and Luke 11:15-26
“Some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons; while others, to test him, sought from him a sign from heaven?” (Luke 11:15-16)
Today, St. Paul continues his lecture to the Galatians. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13). However, the fact that salvation does not depend on the law does not make the law invalid. Before Jesus Christ, we were slaves, now we are sons and daughters of God. The slave obeys the law out of fear but the son obeys the law out of love knowing that the house belongs to him.
A person who was delivered by Jesus Christ left his heart empty and refused to allow God to take possession of his life thereby giving room for a full-force return of the demonic spirits. Upon seeing that the person was possessed again, the people started looking down on Jesus; they went as far accusing Jesus of using the power of demons.
Some came to Jesus demanding for signs and wonders as if to say: “Jesus, prove yourself or I walk away!” It is interesting that Jesus did not perform any sign for them. Instead, Jesus seized the opportunity to teach them that it is impossible for Beelzebub to cast out itself.
What we learn from Jesus’ response is His calm disposition. Jesus had every right to get annoyed with the people or even to call down fire on them for such a false accusation but He took his time to teach them. When people lie against us, let us learn to be calm and allow the truth to put them to shame.
Also, from His explanation, Jesus acknowledges the fact that demons have power, He even refers to Satan as a strong man fully armed but adds that He is MORE POWERFUL. Jesus is the stronger man who assails Satan, overcomes him and divides the spoil. Yes, demons may appear powerful to us, they evoke some fear in us but the simple truth is that their power is nothing compared to God.
You are in charge of your inner space. If you don’t open up your inner room for God to enter, if you are not focused on the things of God, Satan will go in there and relax. Repentance is not an automatic thing as some preachers present it. (Once you say these words, you are saved!). No, repentance requires an entire process of cleaning one’s heart completely from the evils that have festered for so long and allowing God to take possession. If this is not done, there are chances that the demons may return.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, deepen my faith in your ultimate power to save me. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you.