Whoever is not with me is against me,
and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Luke 11:23

Luke 11:15-26

Reflection

Jesus’ message today is quite dire. After driving out a demon, the people proclaim that Jesus’ power comes from Satan. Jesus rebukes them and goes on to explain that a house divided cannot stand. He even goes so far as to tell the people that if they are not with him, they are against him and will scatter. What a potentially tough message to hear.

Looking at our world today, we plainly see division and the scattering of many souls. Those who don’t know Jesus or are actively against him are certainly scattered and confused, searching for truth in all the wrong places. This may be a hard lesson for some, but if we do not stand with Jesus (and his Church), we will also be lost and scattered. Jesus desires for us to draw near, even when the temptations of the world try to draw us away. We can always maintain hope, because Jesus tells us today that Satan is divided against himself and cannot stand forever.

Still, we must reflect on the demons we have in our own lives. Jesus was capable of driving out literal demons – he can do the same for you. When we ask him to take away or overcome our demons, he will do so, although the process may be long and painful, and perhaps not entirely completed in this lifetime.

Reflect today on those things that hold you hostage – politics, social media, toxic relationships, among many other things – and ask Jesus to cast them out. We must have faith and put in the necessary effort as well, but with Christ at our side, we can begin to overcome our struggles and grow in holiness.

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Saint of the Day

St. Pope John XXIII: 1881-1963

“I am a poor shepherd, I have only a wretched stable, a small manger, some wisps of straw. I offer all these to you, be pleased to come into my poor hovel. Make haste, O Jesus, I offer you my heart; my soul is poor and bare of virtues, the straws of so many imperfections will prick you and make you weep – but O my Lord what can you expect? this little is all I have. “

St. Pope John XXIII, Journal entry, December 24, 1902