Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

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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.”

Reflection

One very clear message is presented in this gospel.

When someone is guarding his house and they are this strong, strong one, stronger than anyone else, there is no reason to be afraid. We should not fear evil. We should recognize that when we turn to God and ask for his protection, it is guaranteed. So demons are dangerous. if you think that they are stronger than God. Stronger than you?

Yes, but never stronger than God.

Closing Prayer

Father, we can be frightened by the evil we see around us, we can begin to feel that we are the victims of a diabolical plot. But nothing, nothing is clearer than you who guard us and protect us, are stronger than any other force. Our confidence is not that evil doesn't exist, it’s that it can never harm us when we turn to you for your protection. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.