Reflection for March 27 Thursday of the Third Week of Lent: Luke 11:14-23

Gospel: Luke 11:14-23

Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them 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.”

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Reflection: 

Is the Devil Real? 

The devil is real, and he is a pervasive influence in our society and political system. This is why we frequently hear stories of killings, corruption, arrogance and the abuse of authority by political leaders—not only in the Philippines but also in other countries. 

In the same vein, the devil is an insidious presence within families. This is why there are separations and acts of infidelity within the marriage covenant. Who can defeat the influence of the devil in our society’s political system and our families? It is Jesus and our faithful practice of His teachings. 

Many of us profess to be believers in Jesus, and many of our politicians are graduates of Catholic schools. Yet, there are plunderers and killers in government today. There are also many broken families. Why is this so? It is because many of us are believers in name only. Many attend Holy Mass but do not live out the grace of the Eucharist/Holy Mass. 

If only we would allow our faith in Jesus to take root deep within us, our country would be more progressive. If only we would allow our faith in Jesus to take center stage in our families, there would be fewer broken marriages. 

Let us reflect on how many times we have betrayed our faith in Jesus in exchange for the enticing offers of Satan, which will ultimately destroy us. We must, therefore, immediately reject Satan the moment he manifests himself in our lives. —Marino J. Dasmarinas