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:

We should be familiar with the phrase “Divide and Conquer”. It is a strategy that exists in the Military, Business world, and unfortunately in our own families and homes. This method proves successful because it affects the abilities and strengths that we possess when we are united in one cause or purpose.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is challenged by those who witness his miracles, specifically driving out a demon from a mute. People accused him of using the power of Beelzebul to do what he did. This is where Jesus tries to explain that division is a source of weakness. He knows, as well as we do, that this is exactly what the evil one wants. I mean, it is obvious this is happening in so many places in our world. Division is the name of the game. It is causing so much confusion and turmoil. It keeps us off balance to the point that we succumb to the darkness that permeates our souls and keeps us from the grace we need to overcome the darkness.

So, what to do. Well, like many important decisions, it’s not that complicated. The solution is easy. What is difficult is the strength and courage it takes to move in a certain direction. And there are only two choices, with Jesus or not. We can either take a step closer to God’s grace or further away. Beware, because the evil one will try to divide not just your environments and relationships, he will try to divide you. So Jesus, at the end of the Gospel gives us a warning. If we manage to rid ourselves of something that is keeping us away from God’s grace, then we need to allow that grace to occupy the space left by the inequity we removed. Otherwise, the forces of evil will regroup and with greater intensity try to reestablish their influence. We simply need to move in the only direction that will reunite and reinvigorate our greatest desire, unity with God and each other.

Action of the day: There is some part of your life that has existed in division for too long. Although the solution is not complicated, we are. We over think, over analyze, overcompensate, and do many other things that prevent us from unity. That is not to say our issues or challenges are not difficult, but what do we really want? No one wants to suffer. We all desire peace and harmony. What will it take to make that first step away from division and to be with Jesus to gather and not scatter?

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A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 11:5-13

(Glory to you, O Lord!)

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Suppose one of you has a friend
to whom he goes at midnight and says,
‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey
and I have nothing to offer him,’
and he says in reply from within,
‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked
and my children and I are already in bed.
I cannot get up to give you anything.’
I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves
because of their friendship,
he will get up to give him whatever he needs
because of his persistence.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives;
and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
What father  among you would hand his son a snake
when he asks for a fish?
Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask him?”

The Gospel of the Lord (Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!).

Reflection:  “Seek and you will find. Be persistent”

Most of us are sports fans whether it may be basketball, baseball or football, etc.  What do we notice when we observe successful athletes?  We may notice that the individual athletes and teams that are persistent with their goals, and consistently practice their skills, teamwork and abilities are more likely to succeed. They continue to hone their craft and abilities, and they make sure to put in hours of work, to practice consistently with persistence and determination, with a strong desire to perform well, to win individually or as a team. To be the best version of themselves.

This can also be applied to seeking to practice holiness in daily life.  We may be asking ourselves: “How can we achieve this? How can we encourage a strong desire in ourselves and the people around us to succeed with choosing to seek a daily holy life? 

Well, we can make a decision to practice being the very best version of ourselves.  To pray and consult with our Heavenly Father daily just like our Lord Jesus did, to worship Him, give thanks, ask for His guidance and mercy, and to lift up our petitions. 

I suggest to make a vow in ourselves to be persistent, then jot down our goals on a daily journal and choose to have a true relationship of following the daily prompting with our Lord Jesus’ Spirit. 

We may ask: How do we do that? Well, carve out intentional time of prayer “with him” and decide “to truly follow Jesus”.  Converse with our Lord daily within our hearts and minds from the very beginning of each or our days, and at end of each waking day with all our questions and decisions, as well as share our joys and challenges.  If we fail on one day because we forgot, … learn from it, gain wisdom, makes adjustments and start again.

Be persistent in prayer and lift up our concerns “daily” to our loving and merciful Lord!  Remember that He already knows what we really need.  The key is to humbly ask for “His will” to be done (not our own will, but God’s will).  Then to ask for the faith to “humbly trust” that God will answer our prayers at the proper time, in His time, as God knows what is best.

Remember that whether God answers our prayers with a “Yes”, a “no”, or a “not yet”… it is for the best as “God knows what we really need.  Guided daily by gently prompting of the Holy Spirit through each situation we will continue to gain wisdom and learn how to be true follower of our Lord and King!

Action for the Day:  At the very first moment of our new day as we wake up and arise from our slumber, put on the mindset of giving gratitude to God first through every moment of our lives, whether our sleep patterns wake us up in the evening, in the wee early mornings or the middle of the day.  Make consistent time to “adore and worship” our Lord Jesus, our creator, redeemer and God.  Ask for forgiveness for our shortcomings from our hearts, receive God’s forgiveness and forgive ourselves, make a vow to learn from our mistakes to gain wisdom.  Remember God disciplines the ones He loves because He loves each and every one of us.  May we always be persistent with our prayers and ask the Lord to grant us the grace of His presence and the joy of His peace.

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Click link below to listen to today’s reflection

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (11:1-4)

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished,

one of his disciples said to him,

“Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”

He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name,

your Kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread

and forgive us our sins

for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us,

and do not subject us to the final test.”

Reflection: In today’s Gospel, we hear the disciples ask Jesus a very simple, relatable question: “Lord, teach us to pray.” They noticed that Jesus regularly spent time alone talking to God, and they wanted that same peace and connection. In response, Jesus doesn’t give them a complicated format and lecture. Instead, He gives them the Our Father—a straightforward, powerful prayer, that covers everything we need: praise God, daily food, forgiveness, and protection from temptation.

We see this same prayer in action today, as we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. Every time we pray the Rosary, the Our Father is the prayer that begins each new decade. Mary always points us directly to her Son, Jesus. By repeating these familiar prayers, Mary helps us slow down, quiet our busy minds, and focus on the main events of Jesus’ life.

The beauty of the Our Father is, that it is simple enough for anyone to understand, even a child. There is a story about a five-year-old boy named Leo, who was just learning the prayer. One night, he asked his mom if he could say his bedtime prayers, all by himself. He knelt down, folded his hands, and started out strong. But halfway, Leo got stuck. He completely forgot the words that came after, “Give us this day our daily bread.” He stayed there in silence for a moment, trying hard to remember. Finally, he just opened his hands, looked up, and said, “Father, I forgot the rest of the words. But You made me, so You already know exactly, what I’m trying to say anyway. Amen.”

Leo’s prayer reminds us, of what it matters most to God. Jesus didn’t give us the Our Father just as a memory test, or a rigid routine. He gave it to us, so we could talk to God like a loving parent. Whether we are praying a full Rosary, or just offering up a quick, messy prayer, in the middle of a stressful day, God isn’t looking for perfect words. He is just glad that we are taking the time, to talk to Him.

Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.

Action for the day: Take five minutes today, to pray one Our Father slowly and deliberately, focusing entirely on the words, or pray a decade of the Rosary, asking Mary to help you talk to God, with the simple trust of a child.

Audio Reflection:

The Gospel according to Luke (10:38-42) 

Jesus entered a village

where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.

She had a sister named Mary

who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.

Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,

“Lord, do you not care

that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?

Tell her to help me.”

The Lord said to her in reply,

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.

There is need of only one thing.

Mary has chosen the better part

and it will not be taken from her.”

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel, featuring Martha & Mary, highlights what happens when one sister (Martha) does what she believes is expected of her, based on the time and social norms of the time, and the other sister (Mary) lives more in the moment, taking the position of a student at the Lord’s feet, even though women pretty much never did that in Jesus’ time.

Did Martha do anything wrong here?  No.  She simply served as she expected she should.  In that male-dominated society of the first century, Martha’s actions were right in line with what was expected.  Jesus’ response to her highlights that Martha’s priorities needed realignment.  His words remind her that she should have recognized the incredible opportunity she had to listen to Jesus’ words, and left the regular old serving until later.  That’s the blessing He gives to Mary at the end of this scene, saying that she had “chosen the better part”.

I think those of us who work in church ministry can always use this reminder.  Yes, there are always administrative things to do to keep things moving (dealing with forms, documents, schedules and so on).  The key is not to lose sight of the fact that we who minister are “ministers” first, not “administrators” first.  We are called to journey with those whom we serve, helping them to learn more about Jesus and His love, and to model a life of love and service.  Yes, we do need our forms, etc., but let us not forget that it is the personal connections – the relationships – that shine brightest to those we care for and serve. 

After all, we are working to help everyone to fall in love with Jesus, and to see everyone as a child of God, worthy of dignity, love and care, and to want to live that same kind of life, extending God’s Kingdom further by our love, our kindness, our forgiveness and mercy, and our companionship along the journey to that Kingdom in heaven one day.

Action for the Day:  

Ask the Lord to give you a loving, patient, forgiving heart today, that you may be a beacon of love and hope to everyone, even those who may be difficult.  Perhaps I should say.. “ESPECIALLY” those who are difficult.

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The Holy Gospel according to Luke 10:25-37 

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said,
“Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law?
How do you read it?”
He said in reply,
“You shall love the Lord, your God,
with all your heart,
with all your being,
with all your strength,
and with all your mind,
and your neighbor as yourself.”
He replied to him, “You have answered correctly;
do this and you will live.”

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, 
“And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replied, 
“A man fell victim to robbers
as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho.
They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead.
A priest happened to be going down that road,
but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
Likewise a Levite came to the place,
and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him
was moved with compassion at the sight.
He approached the victim,
poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them.
Then he lifted him up on his own animal,
took him to an inn, and cared for him.
The next day he took out two silver coins
and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction,
‘Take care of him.
If you spend more than what I have given you,
I shall repay you on my way back.’
Which of these three, in your opinion,
was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?”
He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”
Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Reflection: You may have heard the saying, “We are what we do.” This means that our choices show others who we are. But we should say, “We do what we are” meaning by our actions we show who God made us to be. God gives each of us special gifts, but we need to practice and learn how to use them. Think about an athlete. Even a gifted athlete must practice and work very hard to improve their talent. Do not let your gifts go unused. If so, you are betraying yourself and more importantly, God. When you use them, you help yourself, the people around you, and God.

Whenever we use our gifts, we can share the light of Christ. Sometimes people feel as if they are walking in darkness and are seeking that light to guide them. Well guess what. You may be that light for someone. The Gospel of John says, “What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:3–5

The world around us can teach us about God. Think about light and darkness. Darkness is not a thing that fights light. Darkness is simply what we have when there is no light. Heat and cold are similar. Cold is what we feel when there is not enough heat. When heat comes in, the cold goes away.

This can also help us understand our life with God. Evil is like darkness because it grows when people turn away from God. Satan and his demons try to tempt us to make choices that push God out of our lives. When we reject God, we are left in spiritual darkness.

This is an important truth … “We do what we are.” When God’s light and grace are with us, the darkness of evil goes away and the same happens when you are the light for a fellow brother or sister. That is what the words “the darkness has not overcome it” mean. We can stand against evil by being the light of Christ into our and others lives and by not letting fear or sin pull us away from him. If we do who we are then we have peace and nothing to worry about.

The Great Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Sisters and brothers, we are born with that light and love. Todays scripture says, “Take care of Him” and “Go and do likewise”.

Action of the Day: Seek out and listen for the people around you that are in need of your attention. They are all around us, all we have to do is pause and listen.

Audio Reflection: