Gospel: Luke 11:14-23
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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Jack & Catherine Regan RIP.
Reflection:
A priest once told his parishioners that he cannot please everyone. If they see him being with the rich, some will call him an aristocrat. If he is seen with the poor, he is a socialist. If he gives a long homily, he is zealous. If he gives a short homily, he is lazy. Indeed, some people will misunderstand you no matter how pure your intention is.
In today’s Gospel, we see a similar attitude with the crowd. While they were amazed at Jesus’ miracle, some of them alleged that He was driving out demons by the power of Beelzebul. Still others asked Him for signs. The unbelief of some people was frustrating. Such unbelief is still present in our time. Jesus warns “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” May this Lenten season be a decisive moment for us to choose Jesus over the sceptic crowd. Choosing Jesus, let us help Him gather the least, the last, and the lost. Who knows, we might win over those who are initially sceptic of Him!
- How do you deal with your own skepticism?
- How do you deal with people who have lost or have no faith in God?
- How can you help Jesus in gathering people back to His flock?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Strengthen us every time we face skepticism. Grant us the grace to be faithful gatherers of Your people. Amen.
Suggested Lenten penance: Pray for and give alms to the missions.
(Pietro)
