The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today underline that our peace with God is based on faith and the Holy Spirit is the force that combats evil distractions on our journey.
In the reading from the Letter to the Galatians, Paul continues to argue for our Justification by Faith.
* [3:1–14] Paul’s contention that justification comes not through the law or the works of the law but by faith in Christ and in his death (Gal 2:16, 21) is supported by appeals to Christian experience (Gal 3:1–5) and to scripture (Gal 3:6–14). The gift of God’s Spirit to the Galatians came from the gospel received in faith, not from doing what the law enjoins. The story of Abraham shows that faith in God brings righteousness (Gal 3:6; Gn 15:6). The promise to Abraham (Gal 3:8; Gn 12:3) extends to the Gentiles (Gal 3:14).
* [3:6] Abraham…righteousness: see Gn 15:6; Rom 4:3. The Galatians like Abraham heard with faith and experienced justification. This first argument forms the basis for the further scriptural evidence that follows.
* [3:7–9] Faith is what matters, for Abraham and the children of Abraham, in contrast to the claims of the opponents that circumcision and observance of the law are needed to bring the promised blessing of Gn 12:3; cf. Gn 18:18; Sir 44:21; Acts 3:25.
* [3:10–14] Those who depend not on promise and faith but on works of the law are under a curse because they do not persevere in doing all the things written in the book of the law (Gal 3:10; Dt 27:26) in order to gain life (Gal 3:12; Lv 18:5; cf. Rom 10:5). But scripture teaches that no one is justified before God by the law (Gal 3:11; Heb 2:4, adapted from the Greek version of Habakkuk; cf. Rom 1:17; Heb 10:38). Salvation, then, depends on faith in Christ who died on the cross (Gal 3:13), taking upon himself a curse found in Dt 21:23 (about executed criminals hanged in public view), to free us from the curse of the law (Gal 3:13). That the Gentile Galatians have received the promised Spirit (Gal 3:14) by faith and in no other way returns the argument to the experience cited in Gal 3:1–5. (Galatians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 111 offers praise for God’s Wonderful Works.
* [Psalm 111] A Temple singer (Ps 111:1) tells how God is revealed in Israel’s history (Ps 111:2–10). The deeds reveal God’s very self, powerful, merciful, faithful. The poem is an acrostic, each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. (Psalms, PSALM 111 | USCCB, n.d.)
The Gospel of Luke contrasts Jesus and Beelzebul and warns of the Return of the Unclean Spirit.
* [11:19] Your own people: the Greek reads “your sons.” Other Jewish exorcists (see Acts 19:13–20), who recognize that the power of God is active in the exorcism, would themselves convict the accusers of Jesus. See also note on Mt 12:27.
* [11:22] One stronger: i.e., Jesus. Cf. Lk 3:16 where John the Baptist identifies Jesus as “mightier than I.” (Luke, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)
Tom Shanahan, S.J. comments that coincidentally today’s readings from scripture align themselves with the work that Pope John brought to light through Vatican II.
From God’s perspective we are the apple of his eye who, as a good father, desires more for us than we can even imagine. Our gospel recognizes the God of us all, the giver of all gifts gives “the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” What an incredibly refreshing thought!
God of us all, keep us faithful to your word and your desires for us. Be with us as we negotiate difficulties and send us your Holy Spirit as our guide for prayer and actions in your service. Watch over us with your gentle care that produces both challenge and joy; thank you for the eyes of faith, hope and love. (Shanahan, 2024)
Don Schwager quotes “Jesus has conquered Satan,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).
"[Jesus] has conquered the ruler of this world. Having, so to speak, hamstrung him and stripped him of the power he possessed, he has given him over for a prey to his followers. He says, 'The strong man, being armed, guards his house; all his goods are in peace. But when one who is stronger than he shall come on him and overcome him, he takes away all his armor wherein he trusted and divides his spoil.' This is a plain demonstration and type of the matter depicted after the manner of human affairs... Before the coming of the Savior, he was in great power, driving and shutting up in his own stall flocks that were not his own but belonging to God over all. He was like some voracious and most insolent robber. Since the Word of God who is above all, the Giver of all might and Lord of powers attacked him, having become man, all his goods have been plundered and his spoil divided. Those of old who had been ensnared by him into ungodliness and error have been called by the holy apostles to the acknowledgment of the truth and been brought near to God the Father by faith in his Son."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 81) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 11:15-26 asks what are some of Satan’s lies? That the other person in a conflict is our enemy, not Satan himself. That we are completely in the right and the other side is completely in the wrong. That forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity are impossible goals that we shouldn’t even expect to happen.
Jesus told the crowd, “If it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you” (Luke 11:20). Jesus has already ushered in God’s kingdom, and you are a member of it. So don’t stand by idly and let Satan sow division. Be on the alert for his activity and his lies—and pray to combat them!
“Jesus, help me to be an agent for unity wherever I go.” (Meditation on Luke 11:15-26, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the use of the midrash technique by Paul to argue against the claim of Jewish Christians that converts had to observe the Laws and Traditions of Judaism. Paul cites the faith of Abraham as the father of all nations. Friar Jude reminds us of the contradiction that Luke presents in invoking Beelzebul to cast out demons.
The Daily Meditations for October 11 2024 by Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, were not available at publication time.
We are informed by the Spirit that forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity are actions of people who are rejecting evil influences to self aggrandizement, division, and conflict.
References
Galatians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/galatians/3?7
Luke, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/11?15
Meditation on Luke 11:15-26. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/10/11/1102709/
Psalms, PSALM 111 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/111?1
Schwager, D. (n.d.). If It Is by the Finger of God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=oct11
Shanahan, T. (2024, October 11). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/101124.html
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