Division and Demons

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be open to inspiration for living with Christ from people that we encounter unexpectedly who strengthen our faith.

Faith and New Friends

 

The Reading from the First Book of Kings describes the End of Solomon’s Reign.

* [11:1–13] The next major unit of the Solomon story corresponds to 3:1–15. Like the earlier passage it includes the narrator’s remarks about Solomon’s foreign wives and his building projects, and a divine word commenting on Solomon’s conduct. However, where 3:1–15 is generally positive toward Solomon, the present passage is unrelievedly negative. Chronicles has no parallel to this material.

* [11:2] Them: both the nations and their gods. (1 Kings, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 106 seeks solidarity with the people, who can always count on God’s fidelity despite their sin.

* [Psalm 106] Israel is invited to praise the God whose mercy has always tempered judgment of Israel (Ps 106:1–3). The speaker, on behalf of all, seeks solidarity with the people, who can always count on God’s fidelity despite their sin (Ps 106:4–5)... mingling with the nations (Ps 106:34–47). The last, as suggested by its length and generalized language, may be the sin that invites the repentance of the present generation. The text gives the site of each sin: Egypt (Ps 106:7), the desert (Ps 106:14), the camp (Ps 106:16), Horeb (Ps 106:19), in their tents (Ps 106:25), Baal-Peor (Ps 106:28), the waters of Meribah (Ps 106:32), Canaan (Ps 106:38). (Psalms, PSALM 106 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus proclaims the Syrophoenician Woman’s Faith.

* [7:24–37] The withdrawal of Jesus to the district of Tyre may have been for a respite (Mk 7:24), but he soon moved onward to Sidon and, by way of the Sea of Galilee, to the Decapolis. These districts provided a Gentile setting for the extension of his ministry of healing because the people there acknowledged his power (Mk 7:29, 37). The actions attributed to Jesus (Mk 7:33–35) were also used by healers of the time.

* [7:27–28] The figure of a household in which children at table are fed first and then their leftover food is given to the dogs under the table is used effectively to acknowledge the prior claim of the Jews to the ministry of Jesus; however, Jesus accedes to the Gentile woman’s plea for the cure of her afflicted daughter because of her faith. (Mark, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Desiree Nownes reflects on the impact of Saint Anthony of Padua (Memorial on June 13) on her experience of recovery of lost spiritual connection.

Don Schwager quotes “Great was the power of her faith, and for our learning,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"See her humility as well as her faith! For he had called the Jews 'children,' but she was not satisfied with this. She even called them 'masters,' so far was she from grieving at the praises of others. She said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Behold the woman's wisdom! She did not venture so much as to say a word against anyone else. She was not stung to see others praised, nor was she indignant to be reproached. Behold her constancy. When he answered, 'It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs,' she said, 'Yes, Lord.' He called them 'children'- but she called them 'masters.' He used the name of a dog, but she described the action of the dog. Do you see this woman's humility? Then compare her humility with the proud language of the Jews: 'We are Abraham's seed and were never in bondage to any man'(John 8:33). 'We are born of God' (John 8:41). But not so this woman. Rather, she calls herself a dog and them masters. So for this reason she became a child. For what does Christ then say? 'O woman, great is your faith.'

"So we might surmise that this is the reason he put her off, in order that he might proclaim aloud this saying and that he might crown the woman: 'Be it done for you as you desire.' This means 'Your faith, indeed, is able to effect even greater things than these. Nevertheless be it unto you even as you wish.' This voice was at one with the voice that said, 'Let the heaven be,' and it was (Genesis 1:1). 'And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.' Do you see how this woman, too, contributed not a little to the healing of her daughter? For note that Christ did not say, 'Let your little daughter be made whole,' but 'Great is your faith, be it done for you as you desire.' These words were not uttered at random, nor were they flattering words, but great was the power of her faith, and for our learning.

He left the certain test and demonstration, however, to the issue of events. Her daughter accordingly was immediately healed." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW, Homily 52.3) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Kings 11:4-13 asks how can we give our whole hearts to the Lord? By giving him first place in our lives. One way to do this is by turning to God a few times each day. We can dedicate the day to him when we first wake up. We can set aside time for prayer and ask him how we can best serve him. We can stop at midday to ask him to help us and guide us. Finally, when we retire at night, we can thank him for the day and ask forgiveness for any ways that we may have turned away from him.

As you try to keep your heart “with the Lord” like this, you won’t just avoid the idolatry that Solomon fell into (1 Kings 11:4). You’ll discover the goodness of your God. You’ll find peace in his presence. You’ll find wisdom because you’re more attuned to his voice. And you’ll find joy as you delight in a kingdom that lasts forever!

“Lord, I give you my whole heart today!” (Meditation on 1 Kings 11:4-13, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments in 1 Kings Solomon had many wives and foreign women who enticed the King to move away from the Lord and build temples to gods of child sacrifice. The Lord orders the Kingdom would be split in the life of Solomon’s son into two tribes. Jesus travels to Tyre and encounters a pagan woman and Jesus responds to her request for healing for her daughter possessed by demons with "Let the children be fed first” The purpose of this response is really unclear. The woman demonstrates “chutzpah” and Jesus is impressed. We have to tell God our deepest thoughts “What we are really feeling”. Friar Jude prays “May God bless us in our arguments with the Divine.”

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces psychotherapist Fiona Gardner who shares how we might once again experience paradise in the writings of contemplative writer and monk Thomas Merton. Contemplative practice creates opportunities to return to the ‘enchantment’ of the garden:

Present-moment awareness is about creating a gap in the constant busyness of the mind…. It is through such a clear space that new and creative possibilities are born…. There may be an inner prompting in the midst of a busy life to take stock, perhaps to stop and consider…. The focus is then on the inner desire for that thirst-quenching water of life. In other words to move to a place of renewal and rebirth, where there may be glimpses in adulthood of life beyond the shadow and disguise, and experiences, even if fleeting, of the spirit of the child. One way to start to shift out of the obscured false self way of living is to begin to develop awareness, to awaken the senses, to look, listen, feel, and touch as the small child does—to return to one’s senses. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We invite the Spirit to enhance our appreciation of the Way of the Lord in our interaction with people from unfamiliar circumstances and journeys different from ours.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 12, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/7?24 

Meditation on 1 Kings 11:4-13. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved February 12, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/02/12/1498221/ 

1 Kings, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 12, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/11?4 

Psalms, PSALM 106 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 12, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/106?3 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 12, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/contemplation-and-paradise/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Demon Has Left Your Daughter. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 12, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Open to Hearing

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seek increased understanding of areas in which we have not heard the cry of earth and the cry of the poor and to accept our mission to share our faith with others.

Hearing the need

 

In the reading from the First Book of Kings, Ahijah announces Jeroboam’s Kingship.

* [11:26–43] The last major unit of the Solomon story tells how the prophet Ahijah announces the divine intention to take the larger part of Solomon’s kingdom from his control and give it to Jeroboam, Solomon’s servant. This counterbalances the first unit of the story, 1:1–2:12a, where another prophet, Nathan, managed to influence the royal succession and obtain the throne for Solomon. The unit is also the first part of the story of Jeroboam (11:26–14:20). It thus acts as a literary hinge connecting the two stories. Chronicles contains a death notice for Solomon in 2 Chr 9:29–31.1

 

Psalm 81 praises God’s appeal to stubborn Israel.

* [Psalm 81] At a pilgrimage feast, probably harvest in the fall, the people assemble in the Temple in accord with the Sinai ordinances (Ps 81:2–6). They hear a divine word (mediated by a Temple speaker) telling how God rescued them from slavery in Egypt (Ps 81:7–9), gave them the fundamental commandment of fidelity (Ps 81:9–11), which would bring punishment if they refused to obey (Ps 81:12–13). But if Israel repents, God will be with them once again, bestowing protection and fertility (Ps 81:14–16).2

 

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus cures a deaf man.

* [7:36] The more they proclaimed it: the same verb proclaim attributed here to the crowd in relation to the miracles of Jesus is elsewhere used in Mark for the preaching of the gospel on the part of Jesus, of his disciples, and of the Christian community (Mk 1:14; 13:10; 14:9). Implied in the action of the crowd is a recognition of the salvific mission of Jesus; see note on Mt 11:5–6.3

 

George Butterfield refers to the motif in Mark’s Gospel known as the Messianic Secret and asks if it could be that Jesus simply wants to minister to people and has no interest in making a name for himself?

In the very first chapter of Mark, I believe we get a hint as to why Jesus does this. Jesus ministers in Capernaum. It says that the whole town was gathered at the door. He cured the sick and cast out demons. Early in the morning he went outside of town to pray. Simon and the others went looking for him and, on finding him, said, “Everyone is looking for you” (Mk. 1:37). You have this city in the palm of your hands. You can make a name for yourself. Jesus’ response? Let’s get out of here. My purpose, my desire, is to reach out to the people, not to hit it big. “For this purpose have I come” (v. 38).4

 

  Don Schwager quotes “The touch of the Lord,” by Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD).

"That power which may not be handled came down and clothed itself in members that may be touched, that the desperate may draw near to him, that in touching his humanity they may discern his divinity. For that speechless man the Lord healed with the fingers of his body. He put his fingers into the man's ears and touched his tongue. At that moment with fingers that may be touched, he touched the Godhead that may not be touched. Immediately this loosed the string of his tongue (Mark 7:32-37), and opened the clogged doors of his ears. For the very architect of the body itself and artificer of all flesh had come personally to him, and with his gentle voice tenderly opened up his obstructed ears. Then his mouth, which had been so closed up that it could not give birth to a word, gave birth to praise him who made its barrenness fruitful. The One who immediately had given to Adam speech without teaching, gave speech to him so that he could speak easily a language that is learned only with difficulty (Genesis 1:27-28). (excerpt from HOMILY ON OUR LORD 10.3)5

 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 7:31-37 comments that our heavenly Father loves it when we trust him. He wants to give his children good things—and not only good things. Sometimes he wants to give us miracles. So take him at his word! Ask him for the healing of a loved one. Ask him for our own healing. Ask him to intervene in a situation that seems hopeless. And leave the results to him, trusting that he will do what is best.

Most importantly, don’t think that your faith is too weak for God to care about you. Exercise the faith you have and believe that God can work. Keep asking him for what you need. It’s not that he requires your extra prayers to act—but you need them, to stretch your faith and to grow closer to him. “Lord, I believe you can do the impossible. Please give me the faith to ask for it!”6

 

On the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, Bishop Robert Barron recalls a portion of the video series, Catholicism (https://youtu.be/dwx8g8z7FUo).

 

Friar Jude Winkler explains the division of the tribes of Israel between Jeroboam and the descendants of David. The role of spit in healing is noted. Friar Jude reminds us that pagans, in Mark’s Gospel, recognize the authority of God in the person of Jesus.

 

CAC teacher Barbara Holmes recounts her visit to Fellowship Church, a visionary, multi-racial church co-founded in 1944 by Howard Thurman and his wife Sue Bailey Thurman. Howard Thurman (1900­–1981) writes about the conviction that shared worship and encounter with divine presence could unite diverse people.

Sue and I knew that all our accumulated experiences of the past had given us two crucial gifts for this undertaking: a profound conviction that meaningful and creative experiences between peoples can be more compelling than all the ideas, concepts, faiths, fears, ideologies, and prejudices that divide them; and absolute faith that if such experiences can be multiplied and sustained over a time interval of sufficient duration any barrier that separates one person from another can be undermined and eliminated. We were sure that the ground of such meaningful experiences could be provided by the widest possible associations around common interest and common concerns. . . . One basic discovery was constantly surfacing—meaningful experiences of unity among peoples were more compelling than all that divided and separated. The sense of Presence was being manifest which in time would bring one to his or her own altar stairs leading each in his [or her] own way like Jacob’s ladder from earth to heaven. [2]7

 

The Spirit guides us to experience that opens us to hear others and to speak about our relationship with God.

 

References

1	(n.d.). 1 Kings, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/11
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 81 | USCCB. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/81
3	(n.d.). Mark, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/7
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/021122.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=feb11
6	(n.d.). Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Meditations for February 11, 2022. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/02/11/311130/
7	(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://cac.org/the-experience-of-god-unites-us-2022-02-11/