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 

Strength and Resurrection

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the aspects of our relationship with God that bring us strength to endure difficulty and disaster on our journey.

Life, Love and Resurrection

The reading from the Second Book of Maccabees describes of the martyrdom of a mother and her seven sons.

* [7:9] The King of the universe will raise us up: here, and in vv. 11, 14, 23, 29, 36, belief in the future resurrection of the body, at least for the just, is clearly stated; cf. also 12:44; 14:46; Dn 12:2. (2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 7, n.d.)

Psalm 17 is a prayer for deliverance from persecutors.

* [Psalm 17] A lament of an individual unjustly attacked. Confident of being found innocent, the psalmist cries out for God’s just judgment (Ps 17:1–5) and requests divine help against enemies (Ps 17:6–9a). Those ravenous lions (Ps 17:9b–12) should be punished (Ps 17:13–14). The Psalm ends with a serene statement of praise (Ps 17:15). The Hebrew text of Ps 17:3–4, 14 is uncertain. (Psalms, PSALM 17, n.d.)

The reading from the Second Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians is a request for prayer.

* [2:1–17] The Thessalonians have been shaken by a message purporting to come from Paul himself that the day of the Lord is already present. He warns against this deception in eschatology by citing a scenario of events that must first occur (2 Thes 2:3–12) before the end will come. The overall point Paul makes is the need to reject such lies as Satan sends; he also reaffirms the Thessalonians in their calling (2 Thes 2:13–14). They are to uphold what Paul himself has taught (2 Thes 2:15). There is a concluding prayer for their strengthening (2 Thes 2:16–17). (2 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus addresses the question about the Resurrection.

* [20:28–33] The Sadducees’ question, based on the law of levirate marriage recorded in Dt 25:5–10, ridicules the idea of the resurrection. Jesus rejects their naive understanding of the resurrection (Lk 20:35–36) and then argues on behalf of the resurrection of the dead on the basis of the written law (Lk 20:37–38) that the Sadducees accept. See also notes on Mt 22:23–33. (Luke, CHAPTER 20, n.d.)

Mirielle Mason found the second reading provided her with some balm to soothe her feelings of being lost in the weeds.

I would like to encourage the reader to sit with the second and larger paragraph. Does anything speak to you? Every line struck me. “The word of the Lord must be glorified.” Now, this may be difficult for some to do. Perhaps we have questions, or doubts. Maybe our own trials feel like they are blocking our connection with God. “But the Lord is faithful, he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one”. Strengthen…. That is the key for me. I am not meant to walk this path alone. The path of belief, of anger, of frustration. God is there to strengthen me. And what a wondrous thing that is! (Mason, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus cites Moses to affirm the resurrection,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"The Savior also demonstrated the great ignorance of the Sadducees by bringing forward their own leader Moses, who was clearly acquainted with the resurrection of the dead. He set God before us saying in the bush, 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob' (Exodus 3:6). Of whom is he God, if, according to their argument, these have ceased to live? He is the God of the living. They certainly will rise when his almighty right hand brings them and all that are on the earth there. For people not to believe that this will happen is worthy perhaps of the ignorance of the Sadducees, but it is altogether unworthy of those who love Christ. We believe in him who says, 'I am the resurrection and the life' (John 11:25). He will raise the dead suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, and at the last trumpet. It shall sound, the dead in Christ shall rise incorruptible, and we shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:52). For Christ our common Savior will transfer us into incorruption, glory and to an incorruptible life."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 136) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 20:27-38 asks how could a yearning for heaven change us? Just look at today’s first reading of the woman and her seven sons who were tortured and killed for refusing to violate God’s laws (2 Maccabees 7). Each of them was able to face their executioners bravely because they knew, without a doubt, that God would restore them to life again. Death wasn’t the end for them.

You can have courage too, as long as you keep your eyes fixed on your eternal destiny. As you place your hope in the life to come, your problems will shrink in size and your hardships will become easier to bear. Not only that, but all your actions and decisions will be directed toward that one goal of union with God forever.

Today at Mass, try to surrender your earthly concerns to the Lord and focus instead on the life that God has promised you. Then ask him to give you a deep longing for heaven, one that casts away fear and brings you lasting hope and peace.

“Jesus, help me keep my eyes fixed on you and your promises.” (Meditation on Luke 20:27-38, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reminds us that 2 Maccabees was written in Greek and so is not accepted in the Jewish or Protestant canon. The  willingness to die in 2 Maccabees because of the resurrection on the last day is contrasted with the understanding of Sheol, a holding tank, by the Sadducees. Paul reminds the Thessalonians to live in God’s grace so that word of the Lord may be glorified by actions that are more convincing than words. Friar Jude notes that as we approach the end of the Church year, end of life themes begin to dominate.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, reflects on Jesus’ inclusivity, which has allowed him both to affirm and critique his own religious tradition—and invites us to do the same. The Second Vatican Council gave Catholics some fine official guidelines and freedoms. Nostra Aetate, the 1965 Catholic document on non-Christian religions affirms, “For all peoples comprise a single community, and have a single origin . . . one also is their final goal: God. [God’s] providence, manifestations of goodness, and saving designs extend to all [people].” [1] Such an affirmation rightly places us all inside the same frame of history and allows no foundational distinction between us. We are clearly from the one God, tending toward the one God, and as the mystics of all religions teach, Reality itself is one.

What is unique about Jesus is his inclusivity itself! He is so grounded in the absoluteness of the Divine relationship that he is quite free to relativize the Law, simplify the Prophets, and find God outside of his own tradition. He is constantly and consistently inclusive—without denying his Jewish foundation and faith. I believe we can only be inclusive when we have a deeply held and shared experience that we can include people “into.” We have to have a “home” to bring people home to.

What the world wants, and people need, are people who believe in Something—Something that will lead them to the good, the beautiful, the true, and the universal. (Rohr, 2022)

We are guided by the Spirit as we affirm our experiences of the goodness, beauty, and truth that connect with eternal life.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 20. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 6, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/20?27 

Mason, M. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 6, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/110622.html 

Meditation on Luke 20:27-38. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 6, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/11/06/527782/  

Psalms, PSALM 17. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 6, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/17?1 

Rohr, R. (2022, November 6). Only Love Is Absolute — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 6, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/only-love-is-absolute-2022-11-06/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture ... Retrieved November 6, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=nov6 

2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 7. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 6, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/7?1 

2 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 6, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2thessalonians/2?16