Thursday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 11: 5-13
Today Jesus once again is criticized by the crowd for driving the demon out of a man who was possessed. Some of the people said: “He drives out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons.” Others tried to test Jesus in a variety of ways. However, Jesus could read their thoughts and hearts. Finally Jesus says to them: “Every kingdom, city and house divided against itself will be laid waste and eventually will fall.”
Sad to say, Jesus also is warning us about Beelzebub. Typically Beelzebub appears to us in a friendly and disarming manner. For children, Beelzebub may appear in the guise of a playmate who invites them to steal a candy bar or to throw rocks at a neighbor’s window. Or perhaps it may be a friend who encourages us to taunt a playmate who is shy or backward. For adults, it might be a co-worker who encourages us to criticize the boss. Or it may be a neighbor who seems to aggravate us just for the pleasure of it. The reality is that we typically have more than one “Beelzebub” in our lives. Thus, we have to be consistently alert to how these “Beelzebubs” strive to divide us.
Can you remember a time in your life when you experienced being divided? It may have been a personal struggle. Or perhaps you were caught between two friends who were “at war” with each other. Or your parents were concerned about the friends you were running around with. Yet, they were your friends! Or at work, you were asked to do something that seemed shady or dishonest. As you remember, what was that experience like for you? Most likely, it was not a peaceful or easy time for you.
Today most people do not talk about “demons.” However, the “tempters” are all around us. Their temptations often seem minor or insignificant. Yet if we give into these small and seemingly insignificant temptations, our life may evolve in a way that is not healthy for us, our families or our communities. The reality is: we do need to be vigilant. Most every day we receive an invitation to stray from the path we have chosen. The invitation may come through the internet, a TV show or another person. Be especially alert to your personal demons. They can “get us” before we realize it!
Today Jesus reminds us: “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; know and the door will be opened to you.” Jesus is always with us. And Jesus will grace us and lead us. True, we may have Beelzebub/s in our lives. However, we are never alone! Jesus will grace us and gift us with the insight and strength we need! What more can we ask?
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