Gospel
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.”
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel reading presents Jesus' response to accusations and tests. He teaches about the Kingdom of God, demonic forces, and the importance of allegiance.
Accusations and Tests:
- Some attribute Jesus' miracles to Beelzebul
- Others demand a sign from heaven
Jesus' Response:
- A divided kingdom cannot stand
- Satan's kingdom would not self-destruct
- Jesus' power comes from God, not Beelzebul
The Kingdom of God:
- Has come upon us through Jesus
- Requires allegiance: "Whoever is not with me is against me"
- Demands a decision: "Whoever does not gather with me scatters"
The Parable of the Strong Man:
- Jesus, the stronger one, overcomes Satan
- Frees people from demonic bondage
The Parable of the Unclean Spirit:
- Warns against superficial cleansing
- Emphasizes the need for true conversion
Implications for Us:
- Recognize Jesus' divine authority
- Choose allegiance to God's Kingdom
- Seek true conversion and inner transformation
Conclusion:
May we stand firmly with Jesus, embracing God's Kingdom.
Reflection Questions:
1. Who do you attribute Jesus' power to?
2. Are you fully committed to God's Kingdom?
3. What areas need true conversion in your life?
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we acknowledge Jesus' divine authority. May we choose allegiance to Your Kingdom. Guide us to recognize Your power. Protect us from demonic forces.
Lord Jesus, reveal Your divine authority. May we choose allegiance to Your Kingdom.
We pray for:
- Inner transformation and true conversion
- Strength to overcome temptation
- Allegiance to Your Kingdom
- Wisdom to discern spiritual warfare
In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.
Prayer for Protection:
Heavenly Father, protect us from evil. May Your Kingdom reign in our lives. Amen.
Prayer for Conversion:
Lord Jesus, transform our hearts. May we seek true conversion. Amen.
May these prayers guide you in embracing God's Kingdom, recognizing Jesus' divine authority.
May God bless you as you deepen your faith.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ