Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 9,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Luke 11:15-26

When Jesus had driven out a demon, some in the crowd said: “He casts out devils through Beelzebub, the chief of the devils.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation and a house will fall. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons 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 goods are safe. But when one stronger than him attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor with which he relied on and divides 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 dry places searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’ But when he returns, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings 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.”

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

When evil surrounds me and tempts me, do I turn to Christ? When Christ helps me to turn from evil, how do I reinforce the good leaving no room the evil to return?

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

In today’s gospel, Jesus responds to accusations that He casts out evil spirits through the power of the devil. Jesus brings reason to the argument when he questions how the devil would benefit or last if he was his own enemy. Then Jesus asks them to consider that the spirits were cast out by the “finger of God” – an Old Testament phrase that harkens back to God’s power on Mt. Sinai and in Egypt. Jesus tells his accusers, though they do not comprehend it, that the Kingdom of God has arrived among them. Then Jesus speaks at length about spiritual combat/spiritual warfare. Jesus is the stronger one, the one who has overpowered Satan. Finally, Jesus warns us about ridding ourselves of evil like bad habits or sinful activities. If we do not actively fill the void with prayer and the Holy Spirit, we will find that they return, often even stronger.

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the light no darkness can put out, not even the darkness of a tomb. You are stronger than Satan. Through You our hearts and minds can turn from darkness and sin. Rid our hearts and minds of evil and rouse us to make ourselves open for You and for your love. Remain in us; help us to remain in You. Give us the courage we need to daily face the temptations of this world and persevere, following in your footsteps. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more