The Gospel according to Luke (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 man is worse than the first.”
Reflection: Demons… We all have demons in our lives. So how do we go about removing them one by one as we strive for perfection on our journey back home to God. Well the Blessed Mother gave us a way to combat evil in our lives and in our world. It’s the rosary.
It seems like never before has the need for prayer been greater! We have so much evil around us and we encounter it daily as we go about our daily routines. It almost seems hopeless some days right? Well as we celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary today we can be assured of one thing. With Mary at our side she will never leave us unprotected!
As we honor Our Lady of the Rosary today, it’s a good opportunity to reflect upon this powerful prayer. The best way to reflect upon the power of the Rosary is to turn to the saints. I found these sayings and thought it would be good to share them with you. Here are a few sayings from the saints of God regarding the Rosary. Today lets ponder their power and give thanks to Our Lady for her guidance.
Let these quotes speak to your heart!
“Never will anyone who says his Rosary every day be led astray. This is a statement that I would gladly sign with my blood.” – Saint Louis de Montfort.
“Of all prayers the rosary is the most beautiful and the richest in graces…love the Rosary and recite it every day with devotion.” – Saint Pius X.
“How beautiful is the family that recites the Rosary every evening. The Rosary is my favorite prayer. A marvelous prayer! Marvelous in its simplicity and its depth.”– Saint Pope John Paul II.
“The Rosary is a priceless treasure inspired by God.” – Saint Louis de Montfort.
“There is no surer means of calling down God’s blessings upon the family… than the daily recitation of the Rosary.” – Pope Pius XII.
“The Rosary is the most excellent form of prayer and the most efficacious means of attaining eternal life. It is the remedy for all our evils, the root of all our blessings. There is no more excellent way of praying.” – Saint Pope Leo XIII.
“Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world.” – Blessed Pope Pius IX.
“If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors.” – Pope Pius XI.
“Our Lady has never refused me a grace through the recitation of the rosary.” – Saint Padre Pio.
“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.” – Saint Francis de Sales.
“One day, through the Rosary and the Scapular, Our Lady will save the world.” – Saint Dominic.
Action of the Day: Let’s simply reflect on the power of this prayer. Let us all take the time – make time – to pray. Lord, may I understand the power of this precious gift, the Holy Rosary. Give me the grace of making this part of my daily prayer. Jesus, I trust in You.
Audio Reflection:
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