In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus casts out a demon
from a mute man, enabling him to speak. Instead of rejoicing at the miraculous
deliverance, some people attribute Jesus’ power to Beelzebul, the prince of
demons. Such a backdrop sets the stage for the teaching of Jesus on the Kingdom
of God, spiritual warfare and the consequences of unbelief.
Jesus’
attitude towards criticism:
In the face of doubters and naysayers, Jesus remains
the embodiment of patience and wisdom. His
response is marked by logic, calmness, and authority. He doesn’t get defensive
or return the insult. Instead, Jesus uses the criticism as an opportunity to
lay bare the absurdity of the allegation against him and shed light on a deeper
truth about God’s Kingdom. Jesus’ attitude towards criticism is great lesson
for us.
Turning
Criticism into Opportunity:
Jesus said: “Every kingdom divided against itself
is laid waste, and a divided household falls”. In other words, If Satan’s
objective is to oppose the Kingdom of God, why would he empower Jesus to
dismantle his own operations? It would certainly be counterproductive. By
posing these logical questions, Jesus exposes the inconsistency and
irrationality of those criticizing him.
Moreover, by mentioning that others cast out demons in
God’s name and asking by whose power they do so, Jesus cleverly places the
critics in dilemma. If they claim it’s by God’s power, then why not believe
Jesus? If they claim it’s by the devil’s power, they condemn their own.
There is a deep spiritual truth that Jesus reveals to
us in this today’s Gospel episode. This is more visible in the Gospel of Matthew
where Jesus says: “And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be
forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven (…) either in
this age or in the age to come” (Mt 12:31-32). Jesus underscores here the
gravity of rejecting the clear manifestation of the Holy Spirit. It’s not just
about opposing a miracle; it’s about resisting God’s very presence and power in
the world.
Demonstrating
the Kingdom of God.
The true purpose behind Jesus’ miracles was to demonstrate the reality, power and nearness of the Kingdom of God. By casting out the demon, Jesus showed that the reign of God had been manifested against the dominion of satan. When he declares, “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you”, he is signifying that the powers of darkness are being overthrown by the superior power of God. Jesus binds the devil and plunders what he has stolen. Its an affirmation of Christ’s supremacy over any evil power. And it is this same power that Jesus gave to his disciples while sending them on mission (Luke 10, 17-20).
A
warning about neutrality:
Jesus further elaborates on the spiritual warfare
theme with the parable of the unclean spirit that leaves a person and later
returns with seven other spirits. This illustrates the danger of spiritual
vacuums. It’s not enough to merely rid oneself of an evil, one must be filled
with the Holy Spirit and constantly connect with God through prayer and works
of charity. Thus, we will be able to resist the enemy always.
Conclusion:
Like Jesus, we should not shy away or be afraid of
criticisms against our faith but see them as opportunities to elucidate truths
about our faith. Our responses should be grounded in wisdom, respect, love and
truth.
It is important for us to understand that the battle
between good and evil is real. As followers of Christ, we should always keep in
mind that when we stand with the Kingdom of God, we stand against the kingdom
of darkness. And those who are afraid of light of the truth of the Gospel or
who do not know the truth of the Gospel will oppose what we say and do. We can
only be victorious and persevere in this battle with the help of the Spirit of
God.
Prayer
for Spiritual Discernment and Strength.
Heavenly
Father,
In
the face of doubts and criticisms, may we, like Jesus, be filled with Your
wisdom and grace. Grant us the clarity to see through the shadows of deception,
and the courage to stand firm in our faith.
As
we reflect on the battle between light and darkness, remind us that we are not
alone. Just as Jesus demonstrated the power of Your Kingdom, empower us to be
beacons of Your love and truth in the world.
Lord,
protect our hearts from spiritual vacuums. May we always seek to be filled with
Your Holy Spirit, drawing close to You through prayer, charity, and acts of
service.
In
moments of challenge, may we remember that with Your Spirit, we are victorious.
Strengthen our resolve to be ambassadors of the Gospel, and guide us to live in
alignment with Your Kingdom's purpose.
We
make our prayers through Christ our Lord! Amen.
May God grant you victory over every power of darkness and fill your life permanently with the Holy Spirit!🙏🙏🙏
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