Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 7, 2024

Date:   Thursday of the 3rd Week of Lent

Scripture Text:  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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today is taken from Luke and recounts one of the many times Jesus faces doubt and rejection during his ministry. In this instance, members of the crowd present for at a healing accused Jesus of being an instrument of Beelzebul, the devil. Jesus countered their claim with logic; having just expelled a demon, Jesus asks why Satan would fight against himself. In the end, Jesus proclaims that “whoever is not with me is against me.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I truly with Jesus as a believer and follower? Or do I doubt Jesus, his power and presence in my life and his sacrifice for my redemption?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, You came into this world, Son of God, as son of Mary, our brother. You came for us, to reveal the Heavenly Father to us and to reconcile us with the Father. Through your teachings and miracles, your identity was revealed; through your death and resurrection, the humanity’s course changed because You conquered sin and death. Send your Spirit to stir within us the faith of the apostles so that we might become proclaimers of the Good News. Grant that we may live daily as your disciples, picking up our crosses and following in your footsteps. May our journey in You, with You, and through You bring us to our destination of life with You, with the Father, and the Son. Amen.