Gospel Reading: Lk 11:15-26
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 person is worse than the first.
WHEN JESUS HAD DRIVEN OUT A DEMON
The miracle in question is told in an earlier single verse: “He was driving out a demon [that was] mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute person spoke and the crowds were amazed” (11:14), reflecting one of the most significant activities in Jesus’ ministry. The reaction and commentary dominate the account. They depict the comprehensive power Jesus has over the forces of evil. As a result, his power over creation is secure. The issue here is Jesus’ authority. When he exorcises a demon that is the source of man’s being mute, the discussion begins about the unusual character of Jesus’ ministry. Two approaches emerge. First, some assign his work to Beelzebul. This name, probably originally referring to a pagan god, was applied to Satan, designating him as “Lord of the Flies.” To some, therefore, Jesus’ power is demonic. Second, others prefer to sit on the fence and wait for something from Jesus. The request for a sign from heaven is vague, given the many acts Jesus has already done. The level of questioning prevents making a commitment to Jesus while admitting that there is something happening that requires reflection.
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SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.