Faith against Demons

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.

Distractions from Life

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 

Transcendent Vision

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the moments of transcendence during which we are strengthened, challenged and directed by Divine messages.

Guides on the Journey

 

The reading from the Book of Revelation is a vision of Michael defeating the Dragon.

* [12:7] Michael: the archangel, guardian and champion of Israel; cf. Dn 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9. In Hebrew, the name Michael means “Who can compare with God?”; cf. Rev 13:4.1

 

The reading from the Book of Daniel envisions judgement before the Ancient One.

* [7:13–14] One like a son of man: In contrast to the worldly kingdoms opposed to God, which are represented as grotesque beasts, the coming Kingdom of God is represented by a human figure. Scholars disagree as to whether this figure should be taken as a collective symbol for the people of God (cf. 7:27) or identified as a particular individual, e.g., the archangel Michael (cf. 12:1) or the messiah. The phrase “Son of Man” becomes a title for Jesus in the gospels, especially in passages dealing with the Second Coming (Mk 13 and parallels).2 

Psalm 138 offers Thanksgiving and Praise.

* [138:1] In the presence of the angels: heavenly beings who were completely subordinate to Israel’s God. The earthly Temple represents the heavenly palace of God.3

 

In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells Nathanael, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’

* [1:51] The double “Amen” is characteristic of John. You is plural in Greek. The allusion is to Jacob’s ladder (Gn 28:12).4

 

Molly Mattingly shares that we join the choirs of angels and the communion of saints in praising God every time we participate in the Eucharistic liturgy.

The word “angel” comes from the Hebrew word “messenger.” The angels in scripture are messengers for God, or their appearance points people to God and Christ. The ones who are named, like the archangels of today’s feast, communicate something about God in their names. Michael is the protector of Israel in Daniel and the leader of heaven’s armies in today’s reading from Revelation. And yet, for such a powerful being, Michael does not claim power. His name points beyond himself to God in a rhetorical question: “Who is like God?” Raphael appears as Tobias’ traveling companion in the book of Tobit. Raphael – “God heals” – leads Tobias not just to cure his father Tobit’s optical blindness, but also to healing relationships through his journey. Finally, Gabriel most clearly acts as a messenger, interpreting prophecies of Daniel and announcing the births of both John the Baptist and Jesus. In Islamic tradition, Gabriel also dictated the Qur’an to Muhammad. But Gabriel’s name means “God is my strong one” or “God is my hero,” pointing to dependence on God. I find it especially beautiful that “God is my strong one” receives Mary’s “yes” to complete dependence on God, and that he announces God’s arrival as an infant, utterly dependent on Mary and not strong at all. It lays the foundation for Paul’s line: “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).5 

Don Schwager quotes “The Lord of Angels,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"Do you know how he [Jesus] leads him [Nathanael] up little by little from the earth and causes him no longer to imagine him as merely a man? For one to whom angels minister and on whom angels ascend and descend, how could he be a man? This is why he said, 'You shall see greater things than these.' And to prove this, he introduces the ministry of angels. What he means is something like this: Does this, O Nathanael, seem to you a great matter, and have you for this confessed me to be King of Israel? What then will you say when you see 'angels ascending and descending on me'? He persuades him by these words to receive him as Lord also of the angels. For on him as on the king's own son, the royal ministers ascended and descended, once at the season of the crucifixion, again at the time of the resurrection and the ascension, and before this also, when they 'came and ministered to him' (Matthew 4:11). They also ascended and descended when they proclaimed the good news of his birth and cried, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace' (Luke 2:14), when they came to Mary and also when they came to Joseph... Our Lord made the present a proof of the future. After the powers he had already shown, Nathanael would readily believe that much more would follow." (excerpt from the Homilies On the Gospel of John 21.1)6 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 138:1-5 comments that the archangels are holy and powerful, but as Pope Francis pointed out, our vocation is very similar to theirs: to serve the Lord, to praise him, and to contemplate his glory.

Today, let’s call upon these mighty servants of God and ask them to intercede for us. As they defend us in battle, remind us of the good news, and accompany us on our journey, they will be helping us to fulfill this great vocation to which we have all been called! “Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, pray for us!”7

 

A Franciscan Media article on the Archangels comments that angels—messengers from God—appear frequently in Scripture, but only Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are named.

Each of the archangels performs a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides. Earlier belief that inexplicable events were due to the actions of spiritual beings has given way to a scientific world-view and a different sense of cause and effect. Yet believers still experience God’s protection, communication, and guidance in ways which defy description. We cannot dismiss angels too lightly.8

 

Friar Jude Winkler connects the development of Jesus' title as Son of Man to Daniel 7 and to the Suffering Servant in Deutero Isaiah. We join the battle of Michael to defeat Satan when we love and dismiss lies. Friar Jude reminds us of the message of Jacob’s ladder to Nathanael that the holiness of God will penetrate the world in Jesus.

 

James Finley gently reminds us of our infinite preciousness to God. God cannot help but meet us with compassionate love. Offering ourselves compassion is one step to encountering the depths of God’s compassion for us. God’s compassion transforms our brokenness.

As we yield to compassion, we are caught in the updraft of grace that carries us aloft. Then, in one single continuous movement of love, compassion draws us downward into the preciousness of all that is lost and broken within ourselves. The deeper the brokenness, the greater the momentum of the descent. The greater the momentum of the descent, the more deeply compassionate love descends into the innermost recesses of our doubts and fears. Suddenly encountering such love, our doubts and fears melt in the love that sets us free.9 

We connect with angels as we experience defense against choosing evil, prompts to choose life, and guides to keep our journey with Christ on track.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Revelation, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/12
2	(n.d.). Daniel, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/7
3	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 138 | USCCB. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/138
4	(n.d.). John, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/1
5	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/092921.html
6	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=sep29a
7	(2021, September 29). Meditation: Psalm 138:1-5 - The Word Among Us. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/09/29/204250/
8	(n.d.). Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael | Franciscan Media. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-michael-gabriel-and-raphael
9	(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive: 2021 - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://cac.org/our-compassionate-god-2021-09-29/