First Reading - Galatians 3:7-14
Gospel - Luke 11:15-26
The first reading makes a contrast between faith and Law (It implies Jewish laws). Paul argues in the passage that it is through faith we can obtain grace from God rather than by mere observance of the law. It is faith justifies a person as in the case of Abraham who was counted righteous because of faith and those who participate in the faith like Abraham also recieve blessings from God. Therefore, Paul urges the Christians to remain firm in faith rather than merely observe the laws and be deceived. This passage is a challenge to overcome superficiality of mere observance of laws or regulations. This is to say, superficial observance can not do any good because God judges hearts.
In the gospel, the confrontation between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees is highlighted. When Jesus healed a mute man by exorcism, the jealous scribes and the Pharisees spread the malicious slander that Jesus was collaborating with Beelzebul, the head of the devils, to cast out smaller devils. Jesus makes his counterattack, first by asking the rhetorical question “By whom do your sons (the Jewish exorcists), cast them out?” The implication is that, if what they say about Him, Who casts them out with a single command, is true, the Jewish exorcists, who require so much more prayer and so many more exercises to do exorcisms, must certainly have to seek the help of the big devil to exorcise minor devils. Then Jesus asserts that no kingdom, divided against itself, can survive for long. Obviously, then, the chief devil will not help any exorcists to cast out devils. Jesus then claims that His exorcisms are proof that He has brought the Kingdom of God. When people are liberated from the control of evil spirits, it is a sure sign that the loving power of God (the finger of God), is at work. Then Jesus uses the image of a strong man guarding his house and keeping his possessions safe until someone stronger attacks and overthrows him. Jesus claims that He is the stronger one and the evil spirits are being driven away by Him. They are helpless before him. This liberation of people and society from evil powers is one of the most dramatic proofs that the all-powerful reign of God is present in the Person of Jesus.
Dear friends, Jesus teaches us that the devil is relentless in his struggle against man. The devil continues to lay his traps, in spite of man rejecting him with the help of grace. That is why St. Peter warns us to be sober and vigilant because he says; “your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your Faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9). We have to fortify ourselves against the devil by prayer, penance, the Sacraments and the effective use of the word of God. Paul urges through the first reading to overcome ritualistic observance of prayers and other spiritual activities but they must be infused with faith.
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